Wreck-It Ralph Review

Can Disney's latest animation surpass its best efforts in the genre?
Just about any Disney animated film these days has a tricky dilemma- and let's not beat about the bush, that dilemma is just how it's going to attempt to either match or (rarely) surpass the Toy Story phenomenon. Indeed, it's a challenge which many of the studio's recent efforts- Cars, Brave and Frankenweenie notable instances- have tried and failed to accomplish, so their latest project Wreck-It Ralph enters the fray with a daunting expectation placed at its feet right from the off. Thankfully, the writers of this bold and brilliant new instalment of cinema clearly haven't let fears of failure get the better of them, bringing us one of Disney's greatest animated films yet.

If you hadn't already heard from its extensive marketing campaign for its two-month late British release, Wreck-It Ralph focuses on the plight of its titular 'bad guy' protagonist, played by Step Brothers' John C. Reilly. Reilly's character elects to leave his arcade video game in hope of earning a medal and becoming a true hero, venturing through riffing games such as Hero's Duty and Suger Rush in order to rise to the challenge. It's a basic yet effective set-up for a feature film, just as the idea of living toys was for Tim Allen, Tom Hanks and company back in 1995. There are plenty of nostalgic references to classic video games including Pac-Man, Sonic The Hedgehog, Street Fighter and Mario Kart that will excite any gamers among the audience, yet the narrative itself is more than enjoyable enough for non-console owners to love in their own way.

Disney Studios appear to have relied on the nostalgia factor of games characters more than A-List cast members, which is no bad thing. John C. Reilly makes fine work of Ralph, strengthening the empathy that audiences are so clearly intended to feel for him, while Sarah Silverman and Glee's Jane Lynch flourish in their roles as an eccentric kid with a passion for racing and a war general intent on defeating the Cy-Bug menace no matter the cost respectively. Beyond those three performances, while there's hardly anyone who can be said to make a colossal career-defining portrayal, everyone has clearly given it their all vocally and it shows magnificently in what is a very well-rounded production.

In terms of the animation itself, it would be incredibly harsh to find any fault here, as Wreck-It Ralph looks beautiful in every aspect. Kids may love the chance to see the motion picture in 3D, and there are undoubtedly a few stellar setpieces where the technology must undoubtedly excel, but once again unless you can only find a screening in this format, I'd advise sticking to the 2D format so as to keep your eyesight properly intact for the dazzling sights on show. There's some accomplished sound design here, too, with the opening sequences of 8-Bit nostalgia drenched in intelligent phonetic decisions and a few choice riffs on modern hits such as Shut Up And Drive working effortlessly well in the context of their respective setpieces.

That elusive question still remains, though- can this possibly top the megamoth that was Toy Story 3 (5/5)? I reference that instalment in particular as I feel it's the greatest of the trilogy by far, and so remains the 'one to beat' for all Disney animated flicks that follow. In the end, Wreck-It Ralph lacks some of the pure emotion and hearty morals that made the final instalment in that classic franchise such a winner, choosing to focus on catering to both the gamers and numerous kids in the audience rather than to every viewer. Perhaps if the film had maintained its focus on nostalgia in its second half I would have bumped the score up to a full 5*, yet things become just a tad imbalanced in the latter stages of the movie, and so it's the only shortcoming that holds it back from our top ranking. Nevertheless, Wreck-It Ralph is an absolutely stunning animated film from Disney that brings them closer than ever to repeating Toy Story greatness, boasting a great narrative and incredible sound design/nostalgia fulfilment that make it an essential watch for Disney and video game fans alike everywhere this half term.
4.5/5