'Ralph Breaks the Internet'—A Movie Review

For the last five years, my best friend and I have had a tradition where we see a movie on the second of January. We’ve seen a handful of good movies to start off our year. This year we saw Ralph Breaks the Internet. It was a powerful story that really spoke to me. It’s been a while since I had fun watching a movie looking forward to what will happen next and even feeling a little down when it had to end.

Six years ago, Wreck it Ralph was released. The film centers around the lives of arcade game characters and their unique world. Since they met, Ralph and Vanellope are the best of friends. When a crisis risks Vanellope’s game our heroes venture into the world of the internet. While on their journey they have to take risks, travel alone, and come to terms with their own insecurities.

John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman reprise their roles as Wreck it Ralph and Vanellope Von Schweetz. New voices include the incredible talents from Gal Godot, Taraji P. Henson, and Alfred Molina. Fix-It-Felix and Sergeant Calhoun return for a brief, but memorable cameo. Since they have been married for five years they decide to take in a BIG family.

On a personal level, this film really touched me. I have been graduated from college for seven months now. Vanellope makes a point about doing the same thing day after day. As Shank (Gal Godot) explains life is worthwhile if you’re doing what you love. And a challenge is okay. Along with change.

Graduating college can be a difficult time. We have to adjust to the world, find our dream job, and maybe even live on our own for the first time. The world is an overwhelming place. I’m still in the process of finding my dream job. After seeing this film, and watching the credits roll, I felt a sense of peace and even rejuvenation.

The film also has a really inspiring message about friendship. Ralph and Vanellope's friendship is something to be admired. Still, you cannot hold each other back. Ralph has depended on Vanellope to the point where it’s become unhealthy. Instead of trying to fix things, Ralph decides to make it worse.

Similar to how Wreck it Ralph’s video game was portrayed, the internet also has a very unique world. Just click on a link and you can be transported to your destination in a flying car!

Technology has become a pacifier for some. We cling to our phones or computer searching for the most obvious answers. And we become obsessed with posting videos or pictures to see how many likes and comments we get. Social media can be the worst. Words hurt. Always be careful what you post for the world to see.

I suppose I can’t do this review without mentioning the Disney princesses. Every princess from Snow White, Cinderella, and even Merida appeared. All in the same room! Their scenes were very humorous and also impactful. Over time the princesses have been given their share of controversy due to lack of supporting themselves. I won’t give away any spoilers but I am really proud of how the princesses were portrayed.

Ralph Breaks the Internet never had a dull moment. The animation was absolutely remarkable! The voice actors took challenges and impressed me. I will forever cherish the powerful message this story conducts to all audiences, whether you’re a kid or an adult. It touched my heart. If you have not seen this film I recommend that you see it right away and get a seat into the world of the internet.