Best. Video Game Movie. Ever!

Rating: 9/10 (11 November 2012)

From beginning to end, I was most entertained by this movie. Seriously, seeing the Disney Animation Studio logo done 8-bit style with the Steamboat Willie theme in "bleep-bloop" sounds let me know it was going to an interesting evening.
The world of Wreck-It Ralph is fun and imaginative as such a place would be, with video game characters of every occupation and species mingle when their games aren't being played. There are real video game characters (though some are more recognizable than others) mixed with original ones. There are cameos from Q-Bert, Sonic the Hedgehog, Pac Man, the heroes of Street Fighter and more, as well numerous subtle references to video game lore.
The title character is the giant villain from "Fix-It Felix Jr." (which bears several resemblances to the original arcade version of Donkey Kong). Thing is, Ralph is tired of being the bad guy after thirty years and countless defeats of being thrown into a puddle of mud from the top of a high-rise apartment building and going home alone to the dump at the end of day while Felix gets praise, medals, and pies. Now he wants some respect and better treatment. One night things get out of hand and Ralph sets out to earn a medal of earn the respect of Felix and the Nicelanders. He finds his chance when he learns of a first person shooter called "Hero's Duty" but ends up biting off more than he can chew. He then accidentally arrives in "Sugar Rush", a parody of cutesy kart racing games where the characters aren't quite as sweet as their candy themed world would make you think.
Aside from its fantastical world and settings, the movie greatly benefits from some stellar voice work. John C. Reily makes Ralph sympathetic and likable, but with a temper that gets him in trouble. Jack McBrayer plays Felix as an amiable, if not misguided, do-gooder who often talks like a character from the Andy Griffith Show. Jane Lynch is a hoot as Heros' Duty heroine Sgt. Calhoun, a send up of nonsense, tough as nails video game protagonists (complete a tragic backstory that's kind of funny in how over the top it is). Alan Tudyk channels the spirit & voice of late comic actor Ed Wynn in his performance as King Candy, Sugar Rush's seemingly goofy (but scheming) ruler.
The weak link is Sarah Silverman as Vanellope Von Schweetz. The character herself is intentionally annoying, at least in her early scenes, but her storyline is actually quite touching. She just wants to race with the other Sugar Rush characters, but is ostracized and bullied for being a glitch. Fate forces her and Ralph to work together, and watching them bond is kind of stirring. But Silverman make the character more annoying than she needs to be.
Also, the story kinda loses steam in the third act thanks to staying in one place for too long. As well a certain plot twist near the end. To be fair, there is some foreshadowing and hints, but there's a fine line between "Didn't see that one coming!" and "Wait, what?" and this twist (and a later one tied to it) come dangerously close.
With its multiple settings in an innovative & imaginative world, colorful (both ways) cast of characters, and plethora of video game references, this is a fun movie for gamers and casual moviegoers alike.