Wreck-It Ralph

Sequel: “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2” (2018)

“Wreck-It Ralph” is adorable. The film evokes an essence of heart that is not anchored by the innuendos of today’s “kids” films. Most animated films today are produced with the idea of selling it to the kids while keeping the parents awake. Usually, like above that is brought on by double entendres, and adult themes strewn about. “Wreck-It Ralph” brings a different approach, nostalgia. Throughout the film (mostly the first act), “Wreck-It Ralph” is a goldmine for adults reminiscing of the hours spent at home or the arcade. From the 8-bit Disney logo to cameos by Bowser and Sonic, to the use of cheat codes on an old Nintendo controller, the fan service is wonderful and will require many views to catch everything.

“Wreck-It Ralph” centers around Ralph, a video game antagonist who yearns to be as sought after as his game’s good guy Fix-It Felix. Felix, being the quintessential nice guy, is lauded by everyone. Constantly being told that “nobody loves the bad guy,” Ralph thrusts himself into a journey of game-jumping to a new first-person shooter, knowing that winning a medal will be his ticket to a new life. The problem is that Ralph can only wreck things. Catastrophe ensues, propelling Ralph then into a candy-coated racing game, where he meets a young girl who is a glitch in her own game. The two of them embark on a journey that shows each of them that they have a purpose in their world.

To put it simply, “Wreck-It Ralph” is a colorful kids’ movie that teaches a lesson. That is fine, but what makes this movie tick? One line, from the fantastic group therapy session scene, sticks out. “I’m bad, and that’s good, and that’s not bad, there’s no one I’d rather be than me.” Ralph’s duty is to wreck his world, doing something that may not be seen as good or acceptable by the people around him, so he covets the world that Felix and other heroes have.

The story invites us into Ralph’s crusade to understand we all sometimes struggle with desiring what another has and not realizing our design is what God intended. 1 Samuel 16:7 states, “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” We can see that Ralph judged his status by the glorification of others, but wonderfully, at the end of the film, Ralph finds his purpose (which drew many audible “aww’s” from the audience), and his heart is full with joy. This is the similar to the joy that we receive through Christ knowing our heart is pure, while not judging our lives on the riches of others.

The film is a joy to watch for many reasons. It brings together a truly enjoyable cast and a heartfelt story that engrosses the audience while the video game nostalgia brings a huge smile to anyone that emptied their allowance trying to get their initials enshrined at their favorite arcade.

Objectionable Content: I would highly recommend “Wreck-It Ralph” to anyone five or older, as some of the actions scenes may be a little too intense. Hero’s Duty (the first-person shooting game) involves several characters shooting flying bug enemies. The scenes involve multiple characters in peril trying to survive the enemies attacking them. Another scene involves a wedding where one of the bugs flies in and eats a character. A character in Sugar Rush (kart racing game) is attacked by another while racing, causing them to wreck. Characters drink out of martini glasses during a party, but it is not implied that the drinks are alcoholic. Two character kiss, however they get married at the end.

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: Mild

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

• Positive
• Neutral
• Negative
• Young people