Ralph Breaks the Internet
Ralph Breaks the Internet is an animated comedy-adventure film that serves as a sequel to 2012's Wreck-It Ralph. The story follows arcade game characters Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz as they venture into the vast and unpredictable world of the internet to find a replacement part for Vanellope's broken game, Sugar Rush. Their journey takes them through various online realms, including social media, video-sharing platforms, and dangerous online racing games, where they encounter new friends and challenges that test the bounds of their friendship. Aimed primarily at a family audience, the film explores themes of evolving friendships, self-discovery, and the complexities of online life without explicit mature content.
Concerns
Violence
MediumThe film contains frequent animated and slapstick violence, with some scenes being more intense than others, especially within the 'Slaughter Race' game and during the climax. While there is no graphic gore, the depiction of characters in peril and destructive actions warrants a medium severity rating.
In the game 'Slaughter Race,' characters are depicted killing each other with weapons, and the racing itself involves dangerous, deliberate accidents. The climax features a large, monstrous version of Ralph, formed from his insecurities, rampaging through the internet and attempting to capture and crush the real Ralph and Vanellope. Additionally, a 'pop-up blocker' character punches a man in the face.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumDespite its PG rating, the movie contains several scenes that could be frightening or intense for younger viewers. These include the fast-paced and dangerous 'Slaughter Race' game, the unsettling 'Dark Net' environment, and particularly the climactic confrontation with a massive, monstrous manifestation of Ralph's insecurities.
The 'Slaughter Race' game introduces a gritty, dangerous environment with edgy characters (Shank, Felony, Butcher Boy), aggressive driving, and elements like attacking dogs and sharks. The 'Dark Net' sequence features dark visuals, spooky music, and a creepy slug-like virus creature. The film's climax involves a colossal monster, embodying Ralph's insecurities, that causes widespread destruction and chases the main characters, creating significant suspense and peril.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe movie explores themes of friendship and independence, which involve instances of disrespect and rebellion, particularly centered around Ralph's possessive behavior and Vanellope's desire for autonomy. Ralph's actions in trying to control Vanellope's choices are depicted negatively and lead to significant conflict.
Ralph exhibits controlling and insecure behavior when he tries to prevent Vanellope from pursuing her dreams in 'Slaughter Race,' even going so far as to spy on her. His rebellion against Vanellope's wishes culminates in him intentionally releasing a virus into 'Slaughter Race' to make it boring, a manipulative act that almost destroys the internet.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowNo explicit LGBTQ characters, relationships, or themes were found in the comprehensive search of parental reviews, entertainment sites, or fan communities. While there are discussions about gender roles and female empowerment through the Disney Princesses, these do not pertain to LGBTQ identity. The film focuses on themes of friendship and individual identity rather than sexual orientation or gender transition.
The Disney Princesses collectively joke about not needing a 'big strong man' to save them, reflecting a theme of female empowerment rather than LGBTQ identity. Despite explicit searches, there is no direct evidence of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer characters or plotlines within the movie's reviewed content.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowSexual content is minimal and primarily consists of mild innuendo or brief suggestive references. There is no explicit sexual activity or graphic nudity present in the film, making the overall severity low.
A brief pop-up advertisement for a 'sexy housewives' TV show appears. Vanellope misreads the word 'lingerie' while browsing eBay. Two married characters, Felix and Calhoun, briefly discuss wanting to 'spice up' their marriage.
Profanity
LowThe movie uses very mild coarse language and incorporates some toilet humor. Stronger profanity, such as the 'f-word,' is absent, contributing to a low severity rating for language.
Mild terms like 'stupid,' 'buttload,' and 'doodie' are used. Other instances include 'butt,' 'fart,' and 'stench vessel' as part of toilet humor. There is one instance of 'Good Lord' and a possibly muffled 'OMG,' along with 'Gosh dang it.'
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no explicit depiction or discussion of witchcraft, sorcery, magic rituals, demons, or occult practices. Elements that might be misinterpreted, such as the 'Dark Net' and a virus, are presented within a technological and fantasy framework rather than supernatural or occult contexts.
Ralph ventures into the 'Dark Net,' an area portrayed as dark, grimy, and seedy, which could be unsettling but lacks occult themes. He procures a virus from a slug-like monster creature, described as a black floating entity with a spooky glowing red eye, which is a technological antagonist rather than a magical or demonic one.
Substance Use
LowThe film does not feature illegal drug use or smoking. However, it includes instances where characters consume 'root beer' in a setting designed to mimic a bar, served in glasses resembling beer mugs, which could visually suggest alcohol consumption to some viewers.
Ralph and Vanellope are shown drinking 'root beer' at Tapper's bar, presented in a way that visually resembles adults drinking beer. Additionally, some characters are seen holding cans that appear similar to beer cans.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowMainstream reviews, including Christian parenting guides, generally do not identify explicit anti-Christian themes in 'Ralph Breaks the Internet.' The film contains some positive Christian references. While fringe interpretations exist online that attempt to assign anti-Christian allegories, these are not supported by the film's narrative or widely accepted critical analysis.
The movie includes positive Christian references, such as Ralph telling Vanellope to 'Put on your church shoes, Little Sister.' Felix, after adopting the Sugar Rush racers, remarks, 'Now I'm the father of 15 kids… isn't that a blessing?' Some online discussions, though not prominent in mainstream reviews, interpret Ralph as a 'Satan-like' figure and Felix as 'Jesus-like,' due to superficial parallels, but these are speculative and not central to the film's explicit messaging.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The movie is rated PG for "action sequences, and some brief rude humor." While generally suitable for children aged 6 and up, parental guidance is recommended for those under 8 due to some scary and intense scenes, particularly in the "Slaughter Race" game and during the climax with the giant insecurity-Ralph monster. More sensitive children may find these elements overwhelming.
Additional Notes
The film's primary message revolves around the evolution of friendships, the importance of letting friends pursue their own paths, and navigating personal insecurities. It also offers cautionary tales about cyberbullying and the negative aspects of the internet. The extensive product placement throughout the movie may be a point of discussion for parents.
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