Wreck-It Ralph

Ingenious and engaging throughout, Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph delivers a hilarious animated tale for gamers and non-gamers alike.

In a world reminiscent of Toy Story, where videogame characters live and interact behind their arcade screens, Ralph (John C. Reilly) is a baddie who’s tired of being unappreciated while handyman hero Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer) gets all the plaudits. He just wants a chance to be the good guy, but after fleeing from his console to find approval in a different game, he quickly finds himself out of his depth in a Halo-style shoot’em up led by the hard-bitten Sargent Calhoun (Jane Lynch). When various mishaps send Ralph spiralling into a candy-filled kart racer, he meets Vanellope (Sarah Silverman), a scrappy outcast who agrees to help him acquire the shiny medal he’s always dreamed of; but only if he’ll help her win a race against the dastardly King Candy (Alan Tudyk).

The comparison to Pixar is palpable not just from the setting, but also from the immense creativity and attention to detail given to every aspect of the film. Ralph’s adventure takes him through environments and situations clearly inspired by many genres of gaming, with references to such classics as Sonic the Hedgehog and Pacman. A highlight is the opening sequence, in which Ralph confesses his woes to other videogame villains in a gathering meant to replicate Alcoholics Anonymous.

However, aside from being a love-letter to the nostalgic arcade-goer, in typical Disney fashion Wreck-It Ralph is a story with the ability to make you laugh one moment, and tug on the heartstrings the next. With its exceptional voice cast and presentation, this is one animation you won’t want to miss.

Joe Baker