Wreck-It Ralph

Being bad isn't bad after all, is It? Well, according to this film, being bad is un-cool and very depressing. But, what if someone told you that being bad will fetch you perks, and then will you try to be bad? Disney's “Wreck-it Ralph”, with its intelligent screenplay and adorable characters, is definitely one of best films of 2012.

The story revolves around a videogame character called Ralph from the game “Fix-it Felix”, who having lived through 30 years of the game, feels he's never been duly appreciated for his efforts. Ralph plays a baddie in the game, and feels nobody loves a bad guy, but everybody loves a hero. He soon learns that in his world of arcade games, the one thing that differentiates a good and bad guy is a gold medal. Ralph can't obviously win a medal in his own game; therefore he sneaks into another game hoping to win a medal. But, Ralph's entry comes with a price - he should make it back to his game before it's 'the end' for the arcade, and that forms the rest of the story?

With its creative storytelling, “Wreck-it Ralph” grabs your attention throughout and eventually graduates as a visual delight for both adults and kids alike. The characters are designed in such a way that you can undeniably fall in love with them from the first minute. Some of the best videogame characters such as Pacman, Sonic play cameo in the film.

The film's novelty is explored at every juncture and especially when we're taken through the interiors of each game, which is unknown to us, but the designers with impeccable animation and stunning visual effects, make it unbelievably real. The film is not about long forgotten videogames, but it's about the emotional connect it succeeds in creating with the audience. The animation is wonderful and 3D was brilliant, giving a rich and depth feel to the overall output without appearing gimmicky.

The relationship between the characters is heartwarming; especially between Ralph and Vanellope, who indulge in a kind of relationship that's neither friendly nor romantic, but aptly suitable to be called a very special relationship. There are some things in life that may seem impossible. But, in the world of animation, nothing is impossible, and Disney seems to have internalized this sutra, and thus have managed to give us a film as memorable as this.

Now, besides all its visually extravagant set up and intelligent screenplay, “Wreck-it Ralph” has something to give in return to the audience for the money and time spent. The film packs a wonderful message - one may have a bad or boring job, but when done believing that it's his/her duty, then the job has its own perks that we can enjoy. In essence; Ralph, all the way assumed that he was a bad guy, and, therefore even considered his job bad. But, eventually Ralph realizes that his job is his duty that also has some perks.

We've seen many films recently about a villain as the protagonist. In fact, two wonderful animated films did it brilliantly in the past - Despicable Me (2010) and Megamind (2010). Is Wreck-It Ralph any different from those films? The good news is that it is. It isn't about a villain wanting to be a hero, it's about more. The fact that it doesn't take place on earth and inside a bunch of arcade video games adds to the fun. The bad news? It doesn't exactly have “that”, if you know what I mean. That bit of extra something, which takes us by complete surprise. Then again, there isn't any bad news as such, since it is a perfectly enjoyable animated film.

Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly) is the antagonist of the game Fix-It Felix Jr. (Jack McBrayer voices Felix). Ralph involuntarily destroys everything that comes in his way. He is programmed that way. Felix, on the other hand, fixes everything his hammer touches. The plot of the film involves Ralph abandoning his game and game-jumping to other games to prove himself a hero. Ultimately he lands up meeting Venellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) who resides in this game called Sugar Rush. She is, apparently, a glitch in the game.

If you don't like sappy saccharine on film, it would difficult for you to connect with the riches of this film. This relationship is the pivot of the film. I'm more of a fan of the 8-bit video games. Those were the actual video games where violence was not why we played them. (Ralph enters Hero's Duty and also comments on the violent nature of it). If I were given a choice to play Pac-Man or Hero's Duty, I'd go for Pac-Man. Clearly; this is my kind of video game movie and not Resident Evil. I also loved the sub plot involving Felix and Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch), the dynamite gal from Hero's Duty. The art design of the film is excellent. From the little Oreo guards to the Nesquick-sand, there are minor touches which make the film uniquely refreshing. The 3D while being gimmicky, has been used appropriately.

I must admit the film isn't a total success, as there came a point where I was completely indifferent to what was happening on screen. This happened to be the climax involving a car race. It is not a cop out but it could have been a little original. The third act is crucial for a film to be in Pixar territory or camp out with the rest of the crop. Although, the actual ending pulls the appropriate heartstrings and is salvaged from being ordinary. There is one dialogue Ralph says about how he sees Venellope after they return to their respective games, which is abundantly cheesy but so emotionally effective that it made the film for me. Wreck-It Ralph may not be a triumph but it sure is worth watching.

Wreck it Ralph is about a video game character who is tired of his image of a bad guy and wants an image makeover. He escapes out of his game, to end up in another one, "Sugar Rush," a racing game set in a confectionary wonderland where he meets a young racer named Vanellope and together they manage to anger the bad guy King Candy.

The film is a wonderland for video game regulars- enough winks and nods to both copywrighted and original new characters that have enthralled a generation of video game addicts from the 80's. Yet at the same time, the film has enough meat in it to engage the new gen kids who havent been raised on a diet of anything other than x boxes.

The graphics are good, the effects lovely, and 3D is more than just a gimiick. What doesnt really work though is that the film gets too syrupy sweet at a point, beyond which it is difficult to digest it. The movie is breezy and flowy but not with any startling suspense in the form of a plot twist. Everything gets resolved easily without much of a glitch and that makes one get off the proceedings with a sigh.

Wreck it Ralph is not a Toy Story or a Wall E. What it has though is its heart in the right place, ensuring some warm moments. Catch it for its sheer nostalgia of arcade games.