Video Game Rush!

Rating: 5/10 (25 June 2015)

Disney's 52nd full-length animated feature film takes us to the video game world, where villain Wreck-it Ralph is tired of being the bad guy and living in the dumps. He wants to be a hero so he could join his "hero" friends in their upscale pad and, therefore, seeks to become one by obtaining a medal. However, he inadvertently causes a virus to be unleashed in the central game console, threatening all the games in the arcade.
I thought the idea of an animated movie about video game characters was a clever touch from Disney; it was interesting to see what the video game characters with their time after the arcade closes (like the toys coming to life after the kids leave in the Toy Story movies). They travel back and forth to their own versions of meeting rooms, bars and penthouses through stations, which in real life are the areas behind power outlets. It was also interesting seeing famous video game characters come to life like Sonic, King Koopa and Pac-Man. This gave the film a very intriguing start and draws you into the story and the plot of the virus invading the entire arcade. However, I thought all the hype and tension faded away when Ralph enters the Sugar Rush candy game and meets the bubbly but overzealous and annoying Vanellope, who wants Ralph to help her win a car race. This plot element consumed a huge part of the movie and overshadows the virus threat story. I may be in the minority on this, but I think the film would have been much more fun if the virus plot was emphasized more and actually showing all the arcade characters in danger or contributing to the mission of destroying the virus. It's too bad the more famous characters like Sonic, Mario, Koopa, Pac-Man and others weren't given larger and more significant roles in the film (I'd prefer the filmmakers use those over some of the main characters used).
The animation was nicely done, giving you a very video-game feel and reminding you that Disney animated movies have really come a long way. I didn't care much for the rock music soundtrack or the Sugar Rush plot, though, and I thought the film had limited suspense. I do like the Ralph character and his purpose in the story, but it's really just a big car race and a search-and-destroy movie, with too much of an emphasis on the candy stuff.
Grade C-