What's it about? Wreck-it Ralph is the antagonist in a computer game named after its hero, Fix-It Felix. He is fed up of being the baddie and so decides to set off into other computer games to become a hero so that he can live in the penthouse and be friends with the other good guys. On his way, he meets Vanellope, a girl stuck in a cart racing game who wants to win a race and reset the game. Ralph has been wreaking unknown havoc on his way through the gaming world and the question becomes, can he fix what he has messed up, before the computer games world is destroyed forever?
What's it like? Very sweet. Although targeting the young, it has in-jokes that gamers from the 80's will savour but no ham-fisted "oh look, aren't we being really edgy sneaking in rude grown-up jokes" that could have spoiled this endearing confection. Though the plot through-line is simple and comprehensible, it isn't so simplistic and twee in its execution as to alienate or frustrate the parents who will inevitably accompany their children to screenings. The "just be happy being you" message is admittedly superficial and reductive, but there are worthwhile points made about how we are all complex shades of grey rather than "good" or "bad" and themes of kindness, sacrifice and generosity are well-aired too.
The animation is, as you would expect, superb and the voice work from John C Reilly and Sarah Silverman is delightful. The different computer game worlds are imaginatively, intelligently and humorously designed and rendered and there are plenty of subtle jokes, as well as laugh out loud moments. In essence, it covers all that a proper family film should - entertaining, well-written, eventful and well-paced and with a decent amount of subtext for chewing over later. Great stuff.
Should I see it? Absolutely. There is plenty here for everyone to enjoy and nothing that is going to offend or upset. Tiny children may find the alien/bug things a little bit much, but my six-year old lapped it all up. It is funny and worthwhile, so check it out.
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