[dropcap]S[/dropcap]trangely, I found myself out watching Disney's video game film Wreck-It Ralph at the local cinema this evening. Going in, I didn't expect much and I never even saw myself watching this picture when it was first announced, or even after viewing the trailers. Even the soundtrack seemed boring, save for Owl City's one song. But boy was I wrong.
You know, I didn't actually expect to review the film after coming out of the theatre because, well, it also wasn't in my plans. However, I feel as if it's my duty to - because of how good it is. I'm not going to make this a long-winded review though and there are no spoilers ahead, so feel free to read through before going to see the title yourself.
Starting off with humor, as it's one of the primary elements of this film. There are so many puns, some of them good and others intentionally terrible, that it's hard to keep up sometimes. If you pay attention to every little thing that's going on, this animation really is a pleasure to see. For children, it'll be the usual outing to watch a new Disney film, but as an adult or anyone over 13 frankly, you can really appreciate the meticulous beauty of the screenplay at work here.
The voice acting was phenomenal. From Glee actress Jane Lynch to John C. Reilly of The Aviator and more recently, Step Brothers, Disney's production team picked the right people for the job. They really make the characters come alive, more than I've seen in any animated picture lately, save for Disney•Pixar's Brave. It's really hard to say which of the two is better.
Last up is the animated short, which Disney is famous for. Titled - perfectly enough for this blog - Paperman, it tells a simple, yet touching romantic story. It's something only Disney can offer and has a beautiful ring to its entirety. I'd personally have paid $10 just to go see the short; and I know that's crazy, but after you watch it you'll know what I mean. This alone makes purchasing the film worth it. Paperman's musical score is also very touching and sounds like it was written by Thomas Newman.
The bottom line is, whether you're a video gamer or devout watcher of Disney animations or are looking for a fun experience for your children, Wreck-It Ralph will not disappoint. You'll find yourself immersed in a beautiful world that director Rich Moore brought to life in such a way you cannot imagine from simply watching the trailer. Even the under-appreciated score is great.