spectrum reviews

Back in November 2012 Wreck-it Ralph was released in cinemas in the US, but we had to wait until February until we finally got it (why is it those lucky yanks always get everything before us?). Was this wait worth it though?

The story is about Ralph (known as Wreck-it Ralph) who is the villain in the arcade video game Fix-it Felix Jr. He’s generally seen as a bad guy when he wants to try and prove he’s a nice guy. So he jumps games to try and win a medal to get respect, but his lumbering antics end up getting his own game out of order and inadvertently putting the whole arcade in jeopardy. He also builds a relationship with Vanellope Von Schweetz from the game Sugar Rush who he has to help win the race. The idea of video games coming alive very much feels like Toy Story but it’s done in such a creative and unique way. It creates it’s own great world with it’s own rules and has some awesome locations to it as well.

The movie’s voice cast is also well selected. Ralph is voiced by John C Reiley and he does well as portraying the rough guy yet giving him a softer side as well. Vanellope is voiced by Sarah Silverman and at first she can seem a little annoying but it does suit her character, I mean she’s a little girl in a world of sugar. What did you expect? Equally as enjoyable are Jack McBrayer as the protagonist Fix it Felix Jr and Jane Lynch as the tough no-nonsense leader of Hero’s Duty. One thing I couldn’t help but notice though is King Candy voiced by Alan Tudyk is uncannily like the Mad Hatter. Yeah from his design right down to the way he talks, I half expected him to throw a tea party for his racers. One more thing to add Roger Craig Smith makes a Sonic voice cameo which to  that I say Kick Ass.

The animation is also good. Whilst it may not be considered breathtakingly beautiful it still provides some colourful and creative locations. From the 8-bit games lovingly crafted to match that of a retro game to the more modern designs like the stormy wastelands of Hero’s Duty or the Sugar Rush’s candyland which looked good enough to eat. The music that goes with the games also compliments them well. The authentic 8-bit tunes go well with the older games as do the dubstep in Hero’s duty and cheesy pop music when you first enter Sugar Rush. It really brings these worlds to life.

Wreck-it Ralph really is a hard one to put down. It’s premise is hugely creative, characters lovable, it’s fast paced and hugely entertaining. If you’re a fan of video games then you can have fun trying to spot the references and even if you’re not a gamer then you can still appreciate what this movie has to offer. Great fun for people of all ages.

Two thumbs up.