Ralph Breaks the Internet (November 21, 2018)

This is the sequel to Wreck-It Ralph and its plot follows Ralph and his best friend Vanellope must leave the safety of Litwak's Arcade to fix a broken steering wheel in a video game. They travel to the internet using the arcade's newly installed Wi-Fi router. During their travels, they encounter viruses, algorithms, and unauthorized advertisers as they search for a part to fix Vanellope's game. It is Walt Disney Animation Studios' first animated film sequel to be created by the original film's writing and directing team and is the first sequel from the studio since Winnie the Pooh (2011). The animation is brilliant and its creative depiction of vast interweb is inspired. This film is a walking advertisement and I hate that. It is deeming and uninteresting- I want to visit new and unfamiliar lands not the usage of eBay as an integral plot point. All the pop culture references dated the film (even before it released). And as much as I love Disney (as evidenced by all these reviews) what is present here is blatant fan service and does not serve the plot in any meaningful way. I will admit I thoroughly enjoyed the Disney Princess team up as well as their new casual clothing. Moving on to the characters, Ralph has developed into a selfish, insecure, clingy, needy, and annoying winey baby who fears her best friend, Vanellope’s “different dream” will be the end of their friendship. He then decides to control her and almost destroys the internet in the process. He seemingly learned nothing from the first film as he continues to crave the affection of others instead of becoming confident in himself. His actions are irrational and wreak any affection and sympathy I had towards him from the first film. Vanellope, on the other hand, becomes less annoying as she branches out into the online racing game, Slaughterhouse, making new friends in the process. Felix and Calhoun are unfortunately sidelined for the majority of the film. The new characters fare much better. Shank is an extremely cool character- my favorite addition to the cast. Yesss is also great with a gorgeous design. message is a bit heavy handed at times, but it is an important one to learn: Best Friends do not have to have the same dreams; no matter how different they may be people can remain close friends because friendship is deeper and stronger than what pulls you apart (but communication regarding those dreams and aspirations is key!) This is especially poignant for me as I finish undergrad and all my friends slowly leave our hometown for different, unknown jobs and careers. Overall, while Ralph Breaks the Internet has great animation, interesting new characters, and tells an important message, it is filled with advertisements, dated references, fan service, and it destroys the character development of the titular Ralph for the original film. I would not be averse to a third film, but it would have to go back to the franchises’ roots.

Final Rating: 6/10