If you’ve seen Wreck It Ralph, please go and watch Ralph Breaks the Internet next week. It’s an animated film targeted towards children but, you will enjoy it as well. You might even pick up a few life lessons like I did. On the surface, it’s a fun story about two video game characters who venture into the world of the Internet, but it’s more than that. Because the plot and theme is very current, you’ll relate to it somehow and understand the different references they make to online content and social media. Laughing at jokes aside, there were some key points that really popped out at me and grabbed my attention. Tread lightly because there are some spoilers ahead but I tried not to give too much away.
Mental health
Throughout the film, mental health is tackled in some way. It starts off subtle and then really builds up in the end. I won’t spoil it too much but the movie mainly focuses on insecurities. If we amplify them and let it take over our lives, it can ruin your relationships, how you view the world, and how you view yourself. When Ralph starts to let go of what he most worries about, he starts to look at everything more clearly and with a positive attitude.
Friendship
Friendship was shown in many ways—from old besties to new gal pals. In the beginning, Ralph and Venellope were inseparable but that changes slowly. Eventually, Venellope wants to go off and do her own thing and Ralph realize that, sometimes, friendships have to be low maintenance. You don’t have to see or talk to each other everyday but when you do, you just pick up where you left off. This is also good for you as an individual so that you have time for yourself.
Women empowerment
Before the movie came out, people were buzzing about the trailer, especially the scene with Disney Princesses. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Aside from this part where they help Venellope find out her true calling, they show up again. Towards the end the roles are finally reversed and it is actually the princesses who save Ralph, each showing off their own skills.
The Internet
Before Ralph breaks the Internet, he and Venellope explore its many avenues. You’ll see versions of eBay, YouTube, and Twitter. Of course, they showed the good sides but also the bad, which is what I want to focus on. First, if we’re not careful, the Internet can turn us into mindless zombies who just endlessly scroll through content. Second, we should all be better people when it comes to the comments section. Sure, we’re all entitled to our own opinion but why do some have to get so nasty? Lastly, we all should all take a break from the Internet. I know a lot of us rely on it everyday for work, communication, and even getting around but don’t forget to unplug once in a while. If you’ve been playing that online game for 30 hours straight, please reconsider what you’ve been doing with your time.
Photo courtesy of Disney’s Instagram account
Photos courtesy of Ralph Breaks the Internet’s Instagram account
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