This joyful movie was well worth its long gestation in development. Both CG animation and skillful use of 3D are exemplary, and the hyperactive vibrantly-coloured look and pace of the film matches the energetic screenplay. Old and new sit together wonderfully, with state-of-the-art animation of the games' inner computer world and plucky young 'glitch' heroine appealing to the younger audience, and the lovingly-recreated 8-bit-style screens, sounds and characters and myriad small details hitting the nostalgia button square on for the older generation, who may also relate to Ralph's early mid-life crisis. Being Disney, themes of tolerance and self-acceptance are foregrounded and fairly blunt, but they serve the story well. The quirky and wonderful well-chosen voice cast does exceptional work here, notably John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk (a delicious villain with a neat story twist) and the wonderful Jack McBrayer (very 30 Rock Kenneth here, but his timing cannot be faulted). The supporting short, Paperman, offers a complete contrast to main feature in style - classic Disney-styled characters, beautiful use of black-and-white - but shares its true sense of heart. It is perhaps a little disappointing that a lot of the movie is set in 'Candy Land', but the potential for further exploration of other gamescapes in a sequel awaits.
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