Film: Ralph Breaks the Internet

GENRE: Animation Adventure

RATING: PG for action & rude humour
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 52 minutes

STARRING: John C Reilly (Chicago, Kong: Skull Island, Walk Hard)

Sarah Silverman (School of Rock), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman)

DIRECTORS: Phil Johnston (newcomer) & Rich Moore (Zootopia)

WRITERS: Johnston (Zootopia) & Pamela Ribon (Moana)

PLOT: Ralph and Vanellope enter the internet to save her arcade game.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Really enjoyed the original film.

STORY STUFF: That was a lot of fun for the most part. The first three quarters of the film are awesome, then the plot changes to preach about the nature of friendship and living your dreams. Like the first film, the writing and visuals are incredibly clever and do a fantastic job creatively showing what happens behind the scenes.

ACTING STUFF: Reilly and Silverman are perfectly cast; their voices play well off each other and make their characters come alive. I was worried that Gadot’s Shank would be one-note but thankfully she got to have a bit more fun. The highlight, however, are the Disney princesses. I kind of wish I didn’t see one of their scenes in a trailer so I could be surprised. Their second appearance is awesome. It was also great that 11 of the 14 original voice actors return to their beloved characters. Disney contracts apparently are binding forever.

ARTISTIC STUFF: The art direction for this film is incredible. Their vision of the internet behind the scenes is impressive. So many great Easter eggs, I may have to watch it again to catch everything. Also, talk about corporate synergy. They may be sellouts but it was fun to watch anyway. I found the ‘monster’ at the end actually unsettling if you look closer at it and may frighten young children. Just sayin’.

VERDICT: Four stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You use the internet or play video games.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Green Book