Ralph Breaks the Internet But Patches it Up

Before he directed Wreck-it-Ralph, Rich Moore's previous credits include The Simpsons, Futurama, and The Critic. That would explain the movie's use of subversive humor, storytelling and memorable characters. This would be found in Moore's later work Zootopia and Ralph Breaks the Internet, the sequel to Moore's first Disney movie and the first theatrical Disney sequel since The Rescuers Down Under in 1990. (Return to Neverland and The Jungle Book 2 don't count as they were made by a different studio branch at Disney)

Wreck-it-Ralph was average at best. The story and characterization lagged on a bit along with with some of the jokes and dialogue but otherwise still enjoyable. I love listening to Henry Jackman's opening score and the song by Owl City at the end credits. The sequel takes place six years later (the same amount time of when the first movie premiered) Strongman Ralph (John C. Reilly) and racing roadster Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) are still the best of friends but when an incident occurs at Vanellope's arcade game and threatened to be shut down, the digital duo take a trip to the internet to find a solution.

Rest assured this isn't The Emoji Movie. True, there is a plethora of product placement but it's not in your face; some are cleverly utilized and essential to the story. Cyberspace is amazing from seeing emails, tweets and other familiar functions on the world wide web being utilized. Like any good sequel Ralph Breaks the Internet doesn't repeat the same story and further expands the characters and the world they live in. New ideas and challenges are faced whether its Vanellope wanting more in life, Ralph finding it hard to embrace any form of change, as well as the good and the ugly side of the online world.

Moore's subversive comedy style is once again present like Vanelope interacting with the Disney Princesses, commenting on their troupes and getting roped into it. I enjoyed it more here but like in the first film it can get nagging when the characters feel the need of explaining every detail every second. There is also a Croods mentality of making old-fashioned Ralph look like a fool and young Vanellope the one in the right that makes for a predictable turn.

However, the highest praise that I must commend the movie is doing away the surprise villain twist and instead plays with the troupe that I won't spoil but goes for a Lego Batman approach but better.

Reilly continues to be likable as the big-hearted but naive Ralph, Silverman while sometimes ear-grating still adds to spunks to Vanellope. Jack Mcbrayer and Jane Lynch continue to be a lovable pair as Fix-it Felix and Sergeant Calhoun who aren't much in the movie but still leave an impression. (Dibs that the DVD will include a short of what they were doing during the events of the movie). New characters include Gal Gadot as Shank a racer from the Slaughter Race, a combat racing game; Bill Hader in a uncredited role as a pop-up and spam program named JP Spamley; Alan Tudyk as KnowsMore, a snobbish search engine and Tariji P. Henson as the scene-stealing Yesss, an algorithm in charge of Buzztube's trending video site.

So while it still has a few glitches like its predecessor it strengths have greatly improved. Ralph Breaks The Internet is a fun ride that may break a few hearts but in a good way.

P.S. After Shrek the Third, I didn't think the Disney Princesses would get their respective due onscreen, thankfully this movie gives them their chance to shine. With the exception of the classic era princesses (Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty) they are voiced by the same actresses. How awesome is that?! Their first scenes do fall into the awkward explaining troupe scene but their appearance at the end is the best. I guess dreams can come true.

P.P.S. Stay after the credits for a funny surprise.

Final Verdict : B