Movie Review: “Ralph Breaks the Internet” is a zany cyber adventure with humor and heart

Movie Review: “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (PG)

“Creed II” wasn’t the only heavy-hitting sequel to open up over the Thanksgiving break. Ralph, as in “Wreck-It Ralph,” also made his highly anticipated return to the big screen, and while his latest adventure lacks the overall charm of its predecessor, there’s still plenty of fun to be had here.

In the years that have passed since the first film, Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) and Vanellope (voiced by Sarah Silverman) have become the best of pals. In fact, they’re downright inseparable. The plot is set into motion when Ralph, out to give Vanellope the grandest of adventures, finds himself the accidental cause of damage to “Sugar Rush,” the game that his best friend calls home. In an effort to repair the old-school arcade relic, Ralph and Vanellope travel to the technological Mecca that is the internet for their very first time in a valiant effort to find an all important broken piece that will restore “Sugar Rush” to its former glory. If they are unsuccessful in their quest, Vanellope and the many characters who reside in that game will find themselves homeless.

Props to the makers of “Ralph Breaks the Internet” for not simply rehashing the first picture. It’s certainly more chaotic and less concise than its predecessor, but it benefits from wonderful animation, great energy, moments of unexpected seriousness, an offbeat sense of humor, and colorful vocal work.

Reilly and Silverman have spot-on chemistry in this picture, and that would probably explain why the storytellers behind this follow-up chose to make the focal point of the proceedings their unwavering bond. Yes, “Ralph Breaks the Internet” offers up Internet gags galore, pop cultural references (mostly of the Disney variety), and a couple of obligatory callbacks to “Wreck-It Ralph.” But even while our fearless heroes are on their journey to save “Sugar Rush,” the main thrust of the plot finds Ralph having to deal with the very idea that his best friend would rather stay in this new place rather than return to her home, even if it means no longer hanging out with her best friend. In fact, Ralph is so insecure and terrified at the thought of being alone that he makes a few decisions that threaten the very livelihood of the Internet itself. This leads to a final act that is as epic as it is poignant.

Along the way, “Ralph Breaks the Internet” takes an opportunity to suggest that, for all its importance in the modern world, the Internet certainly has its downside. This film even goes so far as to give a glimpse at the negative effects of cyberbullying. Yes, there are certainly surprisingly heady themes in this film, themes I actually wish “Ralph Breaks the Internet” would have delved in to even further. But the fact that such contemporary issues are addressed at all is a pretty bold, and welcome, move.

Again, “Ralph Breaks the Internet” isn’t quite as consistently charming (or funny) as its predecessor, and it’s not quite as exhilarating as Steven Spielberg’s big-screen adaptation of the similarly themed “Ready Player One.” But there are still plenty of moments that make this colorful movie worth seeing in the theater. Be it Vanellope’s righteously hilarious run-in with a handful of iconic Disney princesses, the sight of Ralph facing his own insecurities head-on, a post-credits stinger for the ages (particularly if you’re looking forward to next year’s “Frozen 2”), and an undeniably clever Vanellope-headlined musical number, this “Wreck-It Ralph” follow-up is sure to make you smile while reminding you that the Internet can be both a blessing and a curse.

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