Wreck-It Ralph is an animated film about a video game villain who decides he doesn’t want to be a bad guy anymore. He goes on a quest through various video game scenarios to see if he can be a hero in a new setting.

Ralph is a nice guy. Sweet. Caring. He tries to be gentle, but not all characters are made to be soft. He’s been the bad guy in a Donkey Kong-style game for a long time, and while he brings joy to kids, he does it as the one who gets hurt. Ralph is in group therapy with other video game villains like Bison from Street Fighter (and Zangief who was NOT a bad guy darn it. He was my favorite…)

Ralph’s journey takes him through a wide variety of games, none of which he fits into, but he journeys on to find his place as a hero. No doubt the story is really about coming to accept your own place in the world, but it looks charming.

Wreck-it Ralph

Rich Moore is the director for Wreck-it Ralph. Moore has a decent amount of experience with animation, such as the underrated Sit Down, Shut Up, which came from Arrested Development creator Mitch Hurwitz, and he has made some episodes of Futurama. Wreck-it Ralph is a big step up for him, but he’s not out of his element here.

Jennifer Lee and Phil Johnston wrote the screenplay. Lee has no prior experience, and Johnston wrote Cedar Rapids, but little else. Hmmm…. That doesn’t bode particularly well.

Wreck-it Ralph Trailer

Wreck-it Ralph Release Date

November 2, 2012.

Pictures

Who’s In It?

 John C. Reilly … Wreck-It Ralph (voice)
  Jack McBrayer … Fix-It Felix (voice)
  Sarah Silverman … Vanellope von Schweetz (voice)
  Jane Lynch … Sergeant Calhoun (voice)
  Adam Carolla … Wynchel (voice)
  Jamie Elman … Rancis Fluggerbutter (voice)
  Rachel Harris¹ … Deanna (voice)
  Dennis Haysbert … General Hologram (voice)
  Mindy Kaling … Taffyta Muttonfudge (voice)
  Edie McClurg … Mary (voice)
  Ed O’Neill … Mr. Litwak (voice)
  Horatio Sanz … Duncan (voice)
  Stefanie Scott … Moppet Girl (voice)
  Alan Tudyk … King Candy (voice)

What’s Good About It?

Wreck-it Ralph has a great voice cast, especially lead John C. Reilly, who comes across to me as a perfect fit for the character.

What’s Bad About It?

I don’t have much bad to say about Wreck-It Ralph, except that the director and writers don’t have a ton of experience. That’s not to say this will be bad, but this is either a big breakout film for them, or it’ll show they’re not ready for this level of work yet.

Our Clever Prediction

Based on the concept and quality trailers I think Wreck-It Ralph is going to be good. November is a decent time for kids movies, and I think this’ll make a fair bit of moolah. Expect good things from Wreck-It Ralph.