By all accounts, I should not like this book, right? It is meant for small kids and follows up Wreck it Ralph, so the concept is also old and staid right?
Wrong. The makers show that a sequel can be better than the original. Sure, there have been other instances of this – Terminator 2 is definitely better than Terminator and Aliens (arguably) is better than Alien. Despicable Me 2 was (again, arguably) better than Despicable Me (even though, all these series fell off after the second installment).
So is this. It takes the concept to another level and keeps it very fresh and interesting. Most of the concepts are also true to logic which is nice. For example, they go to internet only through Wifi (as their arcade machines are not connected to the internet). They find that the ‘internet’ is a blank uninspiring space until the computer has been switched on.
Great concepts like bothersome Ads, EBay (are they sponsors are is it all free publicity to them?), Twitter etc are beautifully done. So is the (fictional?) Buzztube (Not the buzztube that you know which is a driver for Youtube in ios but stand in for Youtube) all explained beautifully.
The search engine is also shown wonderfully well, including the fact that it gets no thanks from anyone for all the work it does.
Now for the story. Ralph tries to keep Vanellope engaged by creating new ‘diversions’ in her racing game but one diversion wrecks the machine’s steering wheel. Ralph is dismayed because unless the machine is repaired, Vanellope will have to while away the time doing nothing and it would kill her, as she is already bored even with how predictable her game is.
He learns that the spare wheel is ONLY available in EBay and when they realize that the arcade got Wifi, they decide to go to eBay and then get the wheel. They sneak into the internet – and what a site is that! – win the bet for eBay. Only when asked for ‘real’ money do they realize their folly. Within 24 hours when the bid expires, they have to find money or else all bets are off.
Their attempts to make money and what happens to Venellope in the Net and how the twists go form the rest of the story.
The only part that stood out like a sore thumb is how they convince an evil gigantic virus to ‘be good’ through preaching good sense to it. Other than that, I think the story did stand on its own (albeit convoluted) logic, if you bought into the basic premise.
And before I forget, don’t forget the tiny scene after the credits begin to role, involving a bunny and pancakes. It is absolutely hilarious! And the post credit bit related to Frozen 2 poster is cute too.
The story works because you see the curator of a BuzzTube site and how she (an algorithm really) works in determining what is trending and she is named Yess! I love that the popup advisor is named Spamley, how they depict the Dark Web and how a virus generator is depicted. How the popup explosion happens is shown and visually, all of it is a treat.
The steps they take to steal a race car (belonging to Shank in an online game called Slaughter Race) is great. So are the fierce looking Avatars being operated in real life by kiddies. The adorable contrast is really great to watch. And since it is so close to everyday experience, this makes it relatable.
The comments section and how cruel it can be are all shown beautifully.
And since this is Disney, they have used all the Disney princesses beautifully and royalty free. Nice little scenes their where Disney mocks its own older pictures showing how uncomfortable the formal clothes that they were would have been. Comes across as well meaning, self deprecating good humour!
All in all, a great movie to watch. Will please adults and kids alike. Good job on this one!
8/10
— Krishna