“Ralph Breaks the Internet” is the highly anticipated follow up film to 2012’s “Wreck it Ralph”. It explores the lives of arcade game characters Ralph and Vanellope as they embark on a journey into the internet to replace a piece of Vanellope’s game. It is a touching film focused on friendship, adventure and discovering who you are.
The film does a good job of creating contrast between the two main characters. Vanellope is bored with her life. She enjoys her job and loves Ralph and her other friends but she is ready for a change from her mundane routine. Ralph on the other hand is perfectly content doing the same exact thing every day and night. Vanellope is excited to explore the new opportunities offered by the internet, whereas Ralph is wary of the dangers it brings. The two are best friends and would do anything for each other but they are also their own people and “Ralph Breaks the Internet” gives the chance to explore this dynamic.
The best new character was an internet algorithm known as Yesss. She was spunky and sassy and was a big part in helping Ralph complete his mission in the internet. Yesss was easily the funniest part of the film as her humor was unique among the stale memes, dad jokes and fart humor utilized through most of the rest of the film.
My personal favorite part of the movie didn’t even have to do with the central plot, but rather with some side characters. There was a scene about halfway through the movie and another near the end when Vanellope and Ralph run into the Disney princesses. I loved these moments because Disney princess movies were a large part of my childhood. It was awesome to see those characters in a new light and see how their wisdom and skills could help the main characters.
Overall, I really liked “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” It was at times a bit immature in its humor but that is to be expected from a kids movie. It was a touching look at friendship and the difficulties that come along with it. At its core, “Ralph Breaks the Internet” is about two friends learning who they are individually and realizing that just because they have different interests and goals doesn’t mean they can’t still be best friends.
This is a lesson I am trying to take to heart as I prepare to make the move from high school to college and am having to learn how to hold onto the important relationships in my life. It’s a lesson I think everyone can relate to and learn from. “Ralph Breaks the Internet” is a great film to see with your best friends, your favorite siblings or your younger relatives on your next movie night.
