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Just watched it last night. It is one of the finest pieces of storytelling I've seen in quite a while from a movie. And Penelope is one of the most likable characters I've seen on screen.
Also, if your in your 30s or 40s and used to play video games as a kid it's quite the nostalgia trip.
Posts: 222 | Registered: Jan 2013
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Had the Blu-Ray sitting around for a couple of weeks---viewing delayed by my Blu-Ray breakdown problems, and also The Hobbit coming up to take pride of place. But I plan to watch it---though my serious video game playing ended with Pac-Man.
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Loved it! Definitely a great character piece. I guess it was somewhat about self-esteem which seems to be the perpetual theme of Disney movies lately, but this was a character with whose esteem was tied to attitude and action and the evolution of Ralph in both areas rather than just being another "Oh, I'm great the way I am!" story.
Posts: 336 | Registered: Jan 2011
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Things I think you can learn from it as a writer:
- the plot is pure formula but it's formulated in such a way as to allow the movie to accomplish everything it needs to accomplish
- for example, it gives you time to fall in love with and pity Ralph and Penelope separately. It develops their relationship and presents several stumbling blocks for them.
- there are plenty of interesting characters that get their time in the spotlight (Felix, Turbo, etc.) but they serve their purpose and get out of the way.
- it has several different styles/voices which are dictated by the environments/characters.
- the pacing is good.
It does everything well. But clearly the most important part of the movie is how you feel about Ralph and Penelope and their relationship.
One of the more interesting lessons (and the hardest for me to accept) is that you can start with a plot structure with zero creativity and yet create a story with tons of creativity that feels fresh and new.
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The biggest thing I took away from Ralph was how they made you realize that without "bad guys" there would be no story and action - or "good guys". Thought that was the cute twist of the movie. Makes me want to rewrite my bad guy in books one and two of my novels. Gives me pause now when I go to create a "bad guy". Still like Monsters Inc the best.
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