CREDIT: DISNEY

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Remember when John C. Reilly was a serious actor in films like The Perfect Storm and Gangs of New York? Then remember when he switched into comedy high gear with Step Brothers, Talladega Nights and the TV series Check It Out with Dr. Steve Brule? Well prepare yourselves to see the next — and arguably best yet — version of the versatile thespian: the animated one!

Wreck-It Ralph is the latest and greatest 3D CGI flick brought to us from the "powers that be" at Disney, and although they are keeping with their new tradition of computer generated animation rather than hand-drawn cartoons, there is something charmingly nostalgic about this one.

The movie follows the story of Ralph, the villain from the video game Fix-It Felix, who sits comfortably at home within the walls of a 1980s arcade. During the day, while children are playing his game, Ralph destroys construction with his strong hands, but at night, when the game turns off and he's just Ralph, he dreams of being not the villain but the hero of his game. When Ralph is shunned by the other characters in his game, he decides to do something about his circumstances and, though he originally sets off to a first-person shooter to try to win a war medal, he ultimately finds himself in a game called Sugar Rush. Within these games, Ralph must save the girl, get the medal and make amends for all the destruction he has carried out as a villain.

Taking on the lead role in the film is of course Reilly. Reilly is spot-on when it comes to the subtleties required from voice actors. If there was ever concern that Reilly was strong only in physical, slapsticktype comedy, this would more than soothe those doubts about his ability.

Stepping in beside Reilly as the young girl character Vanellope is Sarah Silverman. Silverman is without question one of the funniest women in her generation of actors and she does not fail to impress when it comes to voice acting. Her quirky, offbeat and sometimes dry sense of humour along with her impeccable comedic timing is more than apparent in Wreck-It Ralph.

Speaking of strong female talents, the incredibly funny Jane Lynch takes on the role of Sergeant Tamora Jean Calhoun, a soldier from the first-person shooter Ralph tries to win. Lynch can simply do no wrong when it comes to comedy and she always brings that extra something special to her wide range of characters.

Wreck-It Ralph is one of those animated films that adults will be able to enjoy just as much — if not more — than children. It has amazing acting talents, incredibly funny dialogue and an air of nostalgia that anyone who remembers real arcade games will find irresistible. Definitely check this one out.