» Ralph Breaks the Internet «

A few days ago I went with my partner in crime to see Disney's new movie, Ralph Breaks the Internet. Before I get into the meat of what I want to say, I'll save you the 'on the edge of your seat' feeling by saying it was great and I highly recommend it.

Ralph Breaks the Internet is the 'six years later' follow-up to Wreck it Ralph. Disney told the story of Ralph, the villain in a classic video game who got tired of being the bad guy. He met a cute little glitch name Vanellope von Schweetz and, over the course of the film, they become best friends and everyone realizes Ralph is actually a gentle giant with a job to do. It's a pretty basic movie that's cute, family friendly and I'm sure your kids will love it.

I expected the same kind of cutesy stuff from the sequel and in some ways I got what I expected. But this time Disney tackled some difficult topics like chasing your dreams, moving away from friends, finding your place in the world, and understanding your identity despite your circumstances in life. It got pretty deep and by the end, I was sobbing in the movie theatre.

In the car on the way home I continued crying my eyes out.

Something got extremely real for me at the end of the movie. I don't want to giveaway too much, but I will say that I saw a parallel between Vanellope's life and my own. Crazy, right? I somehow identified with a cartoon character. But I think if you watch, you'll either see yourself in her or Ralph.

She wanted something more. Something bigger and different and maybe unpredictable. She wanted to be someone special and do something that mattered. She was trying to find herself and discover her identity despite being a glitch in an old arcade game.

The ending was a sobering reminder that, despite our best efforts, change is inevitable. It's scary and it's sad, but it's necessary.

Final thoughts... Ralph broke the Internet but he also broke my heart, but I would go on the journey with him and Vanellope all over again.

And that's a wrap.