How the Use of Social Media and the Internet Remains Prominent in “Ralph Breaks the Internet”

By: Brooke Price

Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz discover the internet.(Credit: broadwayworld.com)

Comedians John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman reprise their roles as Ralph and Vanellope as they discover and journey deep into the internet.

After the steering wheel for Sugar Rush, Vanellope’s game, breaks, Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz venture into the internet in search of the wheel. If they don’t get the wheel in time, Vanellope’s game could be shut down forever.

Though they have no money, Ralph discovers social media and how to make money off of it as a career so that he can purchase the steering wheel off of eBay.

When Ralph and Vanellope first arrive in the internet, they encounter the clickbaits and pop-up ads that try and get Ralph and Vanellope to click on them.

While in the internet, Ralph and Vanellope meet Yesss, voiced by Taraji P. Henson, who is a social media superstar and the head of BuzzzTube. She later helps Ralph become viral on social media.  

Even though Vanellope loves her game Sugar Rush, she craves something new from her game, for she knows every detour and secret level.

Once in the internet, Vanellope sees a new racing game, Slaughter Race, which is the new and exciting dream game that she wants to be in. She later befriends Shank, voiced by Gal Godot, and other characters in Slaughter Race as she contemplates living in the game.

Vanellope connects with Shank because she is a racer like herself. She discusses with Shank her aspirations of leaving her game and staying with Shank in Slaughter Race.

At one point of the film, Vanellope runs into the Disney princesses who for the most part, are voiced by their original voice actresses from their respective films.

One comedic part of the film was when the princesses tell Vanellope that they’re tired of constantly being glammed up in their dresses and tiaras and how they envy Vanellope’s outfit consisting of a sweatshirt and pants. The princesses then change into comfy clothes to mirror Vanellope.

At one point during the Disney princess scene, Merida, Disney and Pixar’s Scottish Disney princess speaks which such a thick accent that the other princesses cannot understand her. This prompts Anna to say “she’s from the other studio,” implying that Merida was created in Pixar, while the other princesses were created by The Walt Disney Company.

Besides the princesses, other characters make some cameos in the film. These include Storm Troopers, Baby Groot, Eeyore, Nick Wilde, Buzz Lightyear, Sonic and more.

The film also shows the dark web, where people can remain anonymous and buy and sell illegal items. This was a unique turn to show the hidden world of the internet.

When Ralph and Vanellope travel into the internet, the audience sees the different companies advertised such as YouTube, Snapchat, Buzzfeed, IMDb, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Throughout the movie, Ralph constantly looks at his medal given to him by Vanellope in the first movie, which gives him determination. The strength he gets from the medal helps him persevere and make more videos to buy the steering wheel needed for Vanellope’s game.

“Ralph Breaks the Internet” offers an inside look at the internet and social media. This film took a different turn from the first movie which focused more on video games and character development.

This movie’s up to date incorporation of technology makes it appealing to viewers of all ages. Also, be on the lookout for the post-credits scenes before you leave the theater!