This sequel feels more like a Disney movie than the original. The Pixar-ian emphasis on creating the world of the original forms the backbone of that story, and having that in place is the only reason this film can have an entirely new setting but have the conflict it does.
Although I guess in a way the saturation of reference humor maybe makes this the Dreamworksiest of Disney films.
Since the Internet as a setting is way more about just the sheer scope and cute references, the main thrust here is the continuing relationship between Vanellope and Ralph. And I want to lead off with that because in the end I think this is a slightly weaker movie because while they give a lot more screen time and care to that character dynamic it never quite has the same heart as the original. No one moment has the sheer emotional punch of Ralph smashing the kart in the original. I mean I can get myself to tear up just remembering that sitting here, there is no shame in not living up to that moment, but it’s just kinda the simplest way to summarize how I feel about the film overall. So yeah: there’s nothing wrong with this, but it’s just not quite as special as the original in either emotional punch or creating an amazing world. So let’s get to what’s working.
I do enjoy the main conceit at play here. Sure, you and I could never make thousands of dollars on internet videos overnight, but we’re not living 80s video game villains who can create videos purely in time required to shoot. And while it’s a bit of a sketch show at points because of it, mostly they’re kinda clever in their very precise mix of lameness and endearing qualities. And just as a means to give Vanellope and Ralph things to share reactions to, it’s great. You can really feel the six years of friendship they’ve built up, as a contrast to the growing rift between Ralph’s comfort with himself and Vanellope’s need to do something more with herself.
I think the degree to which they made Shank the coolest person in existence walked the line perfectly. Being Gal Gadot helped immensely there, her particular accent makes her sound authentically badass no matter how she says it or what she’s saying, so she can be incredibly casual and use the game’s lingo but you never doubt for a second that she’s a stone cold killer under the right circumstances.
And let’s be real, that chase sequence in the middle of the Disney movie was one hell of an action beat and not remotely what anyone would expect. Well, okay, they probably did once the full Fast and Furious vibe of that game was in the trailers but that’s not how Disney normally does action dangit.
I cannot understate how much Calhoun killed it every second she was on screen.
Rating- 7/10. Be sure to stick around after the credits.
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