First shot of animation: Camera leans into a classic arcade cabinet which runs through its sequence, as Ralph narrates his lot in life.

The big story here is the big corporate melange. Every video game cameo we can justify is here, and every candy company and snack cake brand, and Darth Vader sound effects just because. The games stuff is actually the least obtrusive? Peach and Chin-Li chatting in the background sells the setting, the same way a Coke bottle may be more immersive than a fake brand label. But the candy stuff gets obnoxious. Was the Beard Papà fan base clamoring for this?

Where they really get games right is in the little arbitrary rules each world has for the sake of their play and narrative. Lay a few of those down, and the equally arbitrary way the bigger world works seems natural. The number of facts you have to just accept for the plot to work, and the fact it does, is really impressive.

Vanellope, and Sarah Silberman’s performance, are the heart of the movie. She should be grating as hell, and can be, but the despair at betrayal and joy in her talent keep the movie alive.

This story is set in motion by a toxic condo board.