Two new releases caught my eye this week, “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Flight,” and because I thoroughly enjoyed both of these polar opposite movies, I’m writing a twofer this week. Enjoy!
First up, “Wreck-It Ralph” is an animated kids’ movie about video game characters in an arcade. After the gamers leave the arcade, the characters of each video game have their own lives and can travel between games if they want. Wreck-It Ralph, the character (John C. Reilly), is tired of being the bad guy in his game, named after Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer). After 30 years of being the evil destroyer, Ralph decides he has had enough and begins game-jumping. Ralph’s adventure takes him to games such as “Hero’s Duty” where he meets no-nonsense hardass Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch) who spews foul language that probably won the movie its PG rating. Upon jumping to the game Sugar Rush, Ralph befriends fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) who offers plenty of potty humor for all ages to enjoy.
The entire premise of “Wreck-It Ralph” sounds corny, and Ralph looks like a goofy oaf. But ignore those preconceived notions and go see this thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying movie. The story weaves together lovable, funny characters with the ultimate moral of not being afraid to be yourself––just because you’re a “bad guy” doesn’t mean you’re a bad guy!
Next up is “Flight,” which opens with a full frontal nudity scene. Yup, the parents sitting next to me quickly packed up their children and left, realizing “Flight” is rated R for a reason. “Flight” is about the chaotic life of Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington), an alcoholic pilot. On a routine flight after a night of drugs, sex, alcohol and no sleep, a mechanical failure sends the plane plummeting toward the ground. In an incredibly intense crash sequence, Whip does the unthinkable and calmly guides the plane in for a seemingly impossible crash landing (Sully Sullenberger would have to crash land on the Hudson during Hurricane Sandy to match Whip’s feat!). The in-the-air drama happens in the beginning of the movie, and the majority of “Flight” chronicles Whip’s life after the crash as he is interrogated and questioned about being a hero who was flying a plane while sporting a blood alcohol level of .28.
Denzel Washington is simply awesome playing a flawed hero. Don Cheadle adds some class playing Whip’s lawyer, and John Goodman, playing Whip’s hysterical friend, adds some much-needed lighthearted banter. “Flight” is well worth seeing, but maybe not before taking a flight for Thanksgiving vacation! All in all, both “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Flight” are great movies and worthy views.
