Review of Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) by Nathan H — 26 Nov 2018

Ralph Breaks The Internet is a perfect example of how to make a good sequel. It expands upon the original's mythology by telling a new adventure that doesn't reset any previously established characters arcs. So it's a good sequel, but does it work well on its own? Well, when I heard that the sequel to the fantastic and underrated Wreck-It Ralph was going to send its characters to the internet, I got nervous. Thankfully, Ralph Breaks The Internet is not The Emoji Movie. Don't get me wrong; both films are shameless cashgrabs filled with ridiculous amounts of product placement. But whereas The Emoji Movie is soulless, Ralph Breaks The Internet is heartfelt. The internet in Ralph 2 is only a backdrop for the story, not its purpose. The filmmakers use the internet to tell a story about friendship and insecurity and change. While friendship may seem like an obvious kid's movie topic, Ralph Breaks The Internet takes it to an unexpected and tearjerking place.

Ralph 2 tells a great story despite its internet trappings, but it's still full of references that are impossible to ignore. Honestly, compared to the other reference-fest films that have been released recently, both Wreck-It Ralph films do a great job of handling the reference load. I don't understand half of the video game references in Wreck-It Ralph 1, and I still love the movie. While I better understand the internet-related references in Ralph Breaks The Internet, I don't think that knowledge makes or breaks movie. The film has a strong enough foundation in character and story to support its reference indulgence. There is one scene that takes place in a Disney website that, if you hate Disney, you may hate. But I found it both hilarious and awesome. You can't tell me that seeing Iron Man, Dumbo, Buzz Lightyear, stormtroopers, and every Disney princess all in one scene isn't awesome, because it is. It's very awesome. As is the rest of the movie.

Ralph Breaks The Internet is a fantastic sequel that stands on its own. I loved its depiction of the internet. It's so irreverent and fun that it's hard not to smile even when you're getting pummeled with product placement. This movie did such a great job depicting the world wide web that I honestly never want it to be done again. Seriously, there are only a few, reference-filled ways you can go with a movie about the internet. We've seen the bad way with The Emoji Movie. And we've seen the good way with Ralph Breaks The Internet. I don't need to see the ok way. As of now, I'm closing the tabs on anymore internet movies. Unless they announce a Wreck-It Ralph 3. Then I'll begrudgingly sign back in.