Attending the press screening for "Ralph Breaks the Interent: Wreck It Ralph II" I was expecting to have a few laughs and enjoy the movie but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I enjoyed the movie so much, I was laughing and crying. I was also reminiscing and reflecting on the many lessons the film had.
All is well in the arcade as BFFs Ralph and Vanelope develop a routine of playing in their respective games during the day and hanging out during the night, when the arcade is closed. While Ralph is happy with root beer at Tapper's to cap off a long day, Vanelope is looking for something more.
Which leads them on their adventure to the Internet, in search for a part in "Sugar Rush" (Vanelope's game, in case you forgot). It's really interesting and impressive how the writers thought of the landscape of "the internet". In the trailers, we saw each website (or social media platform) as a place or a building. I'm the movie, this is explored more and you see little avatars for the people when they use the internet. For example, you go online, there's a little avatar that looks like you and travels through the different websites you visit. You might also recall from trailers, that pop up ads appear as very "persuasive" and insistent shady characters and it's hilarious and really, just a smart and funny way to portray this vast and interesting world we move in every day.
Now while, the internet may be a second nature to us, who depend so much on it, in our everyday lives. 'Its a whole new world' for Ralph and Vanelope who have never seen or known anything outside of the arcade.
So just imagine how overwhelmed they get when they are suddenly submersed in this new environment and while the two may have different opinions of the internet, their friendship is tested.
Bigger, funnier, crazier and oh so unpredictable. Ralph and Vanelope bring their unique friendship to the world wide web and things don't go as planned.
I think the adults would enjoy this more than the kids but don't worry there's something for everybody (Disney Princesses FTW!) in the movie. There are so many little Easter eggs (both on Pop Culture and on the Internet +10 points if you catch Geocities) I'm sure you wouldn't be able to catch everything on your first watch. This movie deserves multiple viewings with family and friends.
The film has so many lessons (both for kids and adults) that a discussion with your kids after the movie is highly recommended. I appreciate how they touched on the good and bad side of the internet, albeit lightly. The bigger take away lesson from the movie, is one about friendship.
That changes can happen in a friendship or any relationship for that matter and that we shouldn't let our personal insecurities get in the way of other people's happiness. Change is not always bad, it can be good too and we can adapt, we can make compromises.
Just because something is "good" doesn't necessarily mean it can't be "better". Pretty deep for a couple of characters in a game eh?
9/10 "Ralph Breaks the Interent: Breaking Ralph II" is now showing!
