Wreck-It Ralph packs a punch

Wreck-It Ralph packs a punch, it was created by video-game enthusiasts for video-game enthusiasts, so you know it’s going to be epic. Honestly, you don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy this film, everyone will love it. My 5-year old has never played a video game in her life and she’s busting at the seams to see it. From Walt Disney Animation Studios and Emmy®-winning director Rich Moore comes Wreck-It Ralph, a hilarious, arcade-game-hopping adventure.

I’ve been playing video games for most of my life. As a child I spent countless hours in front of the TV trying to defeat Bowser and other ‘bad guys’. I even played through calloused thumbs and holidays. I had no idea Bowser didn’t want to be bad, he was just doing is job. Similar to Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly), the main character. For decades, Ralph  has been overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, Jr. (voice of Jack McBrayer), the good-guy star of their game who always gets to save the day. Tired of playing the role of a bad guy, Ralph takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a journey across the arcade through multiple generations of video games to prove he’s got what it takes to be a hero.

On his quest, Ralph meets tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch) from the first-person action game Hero’s Duty, and feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated cart-racing game Sugar Rush, who may just be his first real friend. But everything changes when a deadly enemy is unleashed, threatening the entire arcade and Vanellope herself. Ralph finally gets his chance to save the day—but can he do it in time?

Wreck-It Ralph features cameos from both classic and modern real-life games. Lending their voices, among others, are Roger Craig Smith (Ezio from franchise “Assassin’s Creed”) as Sonic the Hedgehog, and from “Street Fighter”—Reuben Langdon (“Street Fighter”) as Ken, Kyle Hebert (“Street Fighter”) as Ryu, and Gerald Rivers (“Street Fighter”) as M. Bison.

Director Rich Moore has won critical acclaim for directing episodes of such cutting edge animated television series as “The Simpsons,” “Futurama” and “Drawn Together.” He won the directing Emmy® Award in the category of Outstanding Animated Program for “Roswell That Ends Well.” He also received an Annie Award for that same episode of “Futurama.” He is an alumnus of CalArts. Clark Spencer previously produced the Disney animated hits “Winnie the Pooh,” “Bolt” and “Lilo & Stitch.” While I was in LA I had the opportunity to interview the pair about their new movie. It’s always fun learning why a movie was created and the inspiration behind it.

Wreck-It Ralph is a family film, great fun for all ages. There’s something in this movie for every member of your family.  Also, don’t forget to arrive early to Wreck-It Ralph. You don’t want to miss Paperman , the unique, one of a kind animated short playing right before Wreck-It Ralph.

“Like” WRECK-IT RALPH on Facebook, “Follow” @WreckItRalph #WreckItRalph and visit the Wreck-It Ralph official site.

In US theaters in Wreck-tacular 3D and RealD 3D November 2nd.

Disney provided me with a trip to LA in return for my honest review on the movies and events mentioned above. All expenses were paid by Disney and no other compensation was given. All experiences and opinions are 100% my own. This post does contain affiliate links.