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• Currently 5/5 Stars.

Movies.ie Critic Review

Wreck-It Ralph (USA/G/107mins)
Directed by: Rich Moore. Starring: John C.Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Alan Tudyk, Jane Lynch, Jack McBrayer
THE PLOT: Ralph (John C. Reilly) is a video game bad guy. After 30 years in the same arcade game, he is upset at being shunned and thought of as a bad guy; that’s only his job. After a party is thrown in honour of Fix-It Felix – the game’s good guy – and he is not invited, Ralph leaves his game and goes on a voyage of self-discovery, wrecking and fixing things along the way.
THE VERDICT: As the voice of Ralph, John C. Reilly merges despair and hopefulness in his performance to make Ralph feel well rounded, and his motivations relatable. Sarah Silverman’s trademark semi-annoying voice works well for her character, Venellope, and she quickly becomes one of the sweetest characters in the film. The relationship between Ralph and Venellope is definitely that of the odd couple, but it is endearing and warm.
Jack McBrayer is the voice of do-gooder Felix, which makes sense, Jane Lynch steps in as the military leader of the game Hero’s Duty (which also makes sense), Alan Tudyk channels the Mad Hatter as the Candy King and Mindy Kaling turns up as the wonderfully named Taffyta Muttonfudge. Each gives a wonderful voice performance that adds warmth to this CGI world.
Disney have definitely taken a leaf from early Pixar’s book with the attention to detail in this film. The background of the film is almost as interesting as the main story, and the puns are clever and rather cute. As well as this, it is not essential to have a knowledge of gaming before going to see the film, those who have a working knowledge and can differentiate between Pac Man and Q*Bert will do fine as the main action takes place in fictional games, albeit those inspired by actual games.
The story of Wreck-it Ralph is typical Disney – believe in yourself etc etc – but this is what makes the film work so well. As Ralph discovers that he is perfect as he is, the audience finds themselves rooting for this ‘bad guy’. The use of video games within this story adds a layer of quirkiness and nostalgia, as well as feeling a little like an animated, less scary version of Tron… With candy cars instead of lightcycles.
Director Rich Moore created some of the best, funniest and most heart-warming episodes of Futurama, and he has done the same with Wreck-It Ralph. The familiar story line is given new energy through careful direction and the script by Phil Johnston and Jennifer Lee. The best jokes are visual and the almost throw away one liners will keep the audience giggling throughout the film.
In all, Wreck-It Ralph is a familiar story given a quirky, warm and incredibly entertaining twist. Reilly and Silverman shine and, since the film only explores a handful of games, the stage is set for many many sequels. An idea that is incredibly appealing.

Rating: 5/5
Review by Brogen Hayes

• Avg User rating
• Currently 3/5 Stars.

User Reviews

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  Chad

  

  A lot of fun, with some nostalgia for all. I'd recommend it for the gamers and big kids out there!

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  scruffmac

  

  Really enjoyed wreck-it Ralph. It hits all the right jokes and gaming puns without being cheesy. John C. Riley is very likeable as Ralph. Looks great in 3D. It suffers a very noticeable lull in the second act that reminds you that this isn't a joint effort for Disney with Pixar. But it recovers in the third for a great ending. Highly recommended for kids and adults alike.

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  DetectiveClarke

  

  Nostalgia Overload! Wreck-It Ralph is truly a gamers paradise in film. This film has so many characters that as adults we will recognise. Such characters as Sonic,Clyde from Pac-Man, Zangief and Bison from the Street Fighter games and other memorable characters. Tha main story is based on Ralph. Ralph is the villain within his own game 'Wreck-It Ralph'.The hero of his game is Fix-It Felix. As the villain the entire town isolate Ralph from their community and treat Felix as their one and only GOD. It is at this stage that Ralph feels he deserves a chance to be a hero he wants to finally get an award for being the hero. He decideds to leave his game to finally get the appreciation that he deserves. After leaving his home the game cant work causing upset within the community. Being the hero Fix-It Felix goes to search for Ralph. Ralph goes on an adventure to achieve his hero status meeting allot of new friends (and enemies) on the way. Overall this movie is a true feel good film with all of the nostalgia and all of the childish humour it seems to all fit together this is without a doubt a good watch!

• • Currently 5/5 Stars.

  thompsss

  

  I really enjoyed this film. I loved the references to all the old games and trying to name as many as I could. It's a great original animated movie and has some great jokes throughout. I would highly recommend to all!

• • Currently 2/5 Stars.

  mart

  

  Wreck-It Ralph has a promising setup and the opening will strike a chord with gamers of a certain age, but it never recovers from a dull midsection which gradually squanders a great idea.

• • Currently 5/5 Stars.

  BIGBADBRIAN

  

  Wreck It Ralph is fantastic. If you have a love for retro games, or if you don't, this is so much fun. The animation and setting, make for fantastic set pieces and the eye popping colours of Candyland will make you wish you were a child again. This movie has great laughs, a great plot and so much heart. It's no wonder it's being compared to Toy Story. Go see it!

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  darthrodney

  

  Excellent flick, funny and heartwarming with some great animation and voice talent wrapped up in an engaging story. The nostalgia is there for gamers of the 80's and 90's but not to a degree where it necessary to enjoy. Well worth viewing.

• • Currently 2/5 Stars.

  Onionhead

  

  This is an engaging adventure with likeable characters and some nice ideas, though the pacing flags in the second half and there's a nagging sense of unexplored potential.

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  tetsujin1979

  

  charming and nostaligic tribute to the 8-bit era with copious references to arcade classics and modern games

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  Amandareid007

  

  Disney have struck gold outside of their partnership with Pixar, delivering a riotous, sharp and stirring rollercoaster ride of an animated film, reinforced by clever, sentimental video game references and saccharine delight

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  alanhorkan

  

  Good film from Disney! John Lassiter stamps his mark. Perhaps not as good as Pixar but charming nonetheless. Predictable, children's film, not that much besides retro nostalgia for grown ups. Product placement only slightly annoying.

• • Currently 5/5 Stars.

  TheAngelicDiablo

  

  Not so much Toy Story, as Roger Rabbit for a new generation, Wreck-It Ralph side steps the trap holes that films such as Silent Hill, Street Fighter, Hitman and others into by being a film about video games more than a video game film. With some terrific vocal performances, Wreck-It Ralph is a modern classic and easily Disney's best film since Toy Story 3.

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  filmbuff2011

  

  Just over 30 years since they first ventured into the world of video gaming with Tron, Disney have returned to the arcade with Wreck-It Ralph, a lovingly-crafted animated film that will delight children and their arcade-era parents alike. Ralph (John C. Reilly) is a Homer Simpson-style character who dutifully plays the role of videogame baddie in Fix-It Felix. What he really just wants is to win a medal and be liked. Escaping from his game, he finds himself in cutesy kart racing game Sugar Rush, where he befriends Vanellope (Sarah Silverman), a sparky little girl who humours him. She also has dreams to achieve, so they pair up before it's game over for both of them. Rich Moore's film definitely has a Pixar vibe about it - no doubt thanks to John Lasseter's creative input at Disney. There are gaming and movie in-jokes and gags aplenty, but at its heart is a story about outcasts finding their rightful place in the world - a story that is easy to identify with. The animation is gorgeous and the 3D brings the gaming worlds to life without being forceful. The voicework is excellent as well, though it's a little too obvious that Vanellope is being voiced by an adult doing a little girl's voice. Disney are on to a real winner here - no wonder it's been nominated for an Oscar. With a nod towards Pixar, the film is also preceded by a charming short, Paperman. Insert Coin for Wreck-It-Walph - you won't be disappointed.

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  clivebb

  

  There are some things you just do for your kids and I thought going to this screening was one of them. The trailer did not connect with me so I went in with rather low expectations but then again its a pixar disney film so how bad could it be I thought. Surprisingly very good in my books as it turns out. A really enjoyable film, go see it when its released in early February. Feb8th to be exact

• • Currently 3/5 Stars.

  mell61

  

  Funny movie, basically Toy Story for arcade game characters. Title character is tired of being the bad guy and wants to be the good guy just once. Lots of gaming references throughout, however plethora of sweet brands got tired really quickly.