We did see a few foreign-language films at Sundance, and my reactions towards them were very mixed. “Circles,” an international film about a Christian Serbian soldier killed during the Bosnian Civil War in 1992, is beautifully shot but a bit narratively cluttered. In the tradition of “Crash” and “Babel,” it’s a film that attempts to connect several storylines through interweaving narratives that rotate around a single focus. The focus here is Marko, the solider who is killed while trying to protect a Muslim from being beaten to death. The film focuses on the affects his death has on those who were close to him. There’s his father, distraught with grief, his friend, who is crippled by guilt from failing to save him from dying, his girlfriend, who is in an abusive relationship, and Haris, the man whose life he saved.

The film is beautifully shot, mostly composed of long shots and silence. Often, someone is just doing something, and the only indication of how they feel is what is showing on their faces. Some might find the long shots of actions boring from a narrative standpoint, but they’re gorgeous to look at. It’s also a testament to the power of the acting that the characters can say so much while saying so little.

I thought the film was a bit boring, but it’s themes of valuing each individual human life and moving on after a loss are still resonating with me days after. I think it’s one I’ll have to see again.

One film I won’t be seeing again is “What They Don’t Talk About When They Talk About Love,” a messy Indonesian film that follows the various romances in a school for the deaf and blind. The concept of a deaf boy falling in love with a blind girl is brilliant, and has lots of potential. I liked that story. But, the director felt the need to shoehorn in three or four other narratives that are far less interesting. By the middle of the film, I was praying to see the credits. It’s a shame, because I thought individual scenes were beautifully shot and acted. But, on the whole, it’s a mess, and not worth anyone’s time.

There’s me in front of one of the many displays plastered with Sundance film posters.

No Sundance experience would be complete without seeing a few midnight movies. The crowds is rowdier, the films are not in competition, and everyone is either hyped up on coffee or drunk. Our group saw the gonzo horror film “S/V.H.S.”, a series of very fun (if gimmicky) found-footage shorts. There is a thin wrap-around narrative that connects everything together, but each film is shot from a primarily first-person perspective. The first section follows a man with a robotic eye (conveniently housing a camera) who begins to see dead people. It’s filled with effective jump scares. The second short follows a biker with a GoPro camera on his head who is bitten by a zombie. Hilariously, we then follow the new zombies slow, deadly walk as he looks for human flesh. The third short follows a film crew that snags an exclusive interview with the leader of a strange and mysterious Indonesian cult. When the crew finds out what’s really going on, things get very, very, very gory. Multiple people walked out of the theater during this short (including one from our group), and it’s easy to see why. It’s stomach-churning but also pretty funny and quite scary. It’s also the only short that uses multiple camera perspectives. The final short follows a group of rowdy teenagers as they are slowly abducted by menacing aliens. The chaos is shot from a camera on top of a dog’s head (what will they think of next?). The sound design here is particularly incredible, making the aliens seem much more menacing than they might look otherwise.

Another excellent midnight horror film is “In Fear,” a clever take on the “road horror” sub-genre. A new couple is looking for a rural hotel, when they soon realize they’re driving through a sadistic horror maze. The setting is effective; as we see what the passengers are seeing, we can always imagine what’s around the next turn of the curving road. And our imagination gets the better of us.

Things get even more interesting once their tormentor, Max, convincing them he’s another victim, finds his way into the car with them. I thought the psychology in this film was fascinating. How does a couple that has only been together two weeks act when their lives are suddenly in danger? Do they really love each other? They don’t even know yet, but this experience brings out the worst in both of them. It’s a primal story of humanity vs. survival. In the end, we’re not sure if the protagonists end up with either. I found that ambiguity fascinating.

My favorite midnight movie was the Roger Corman-produced (never thought you’d hear that name at Sundance, huh?) “Virtually Heroes.” Corman came to the director and asked him to splice together 11 1980’s Vietnam action films into a narrative. The director thought of a twist: what if the action stars were in a videogame, being controlled by some loser teenager? That’s the concept, and it works wonderfully. The film is gloriously low-budget, but the writing is spot-on. I’d say it has as much or more nerd cred than “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.” The writing is great; the jokes are aimed at the gaming crowd, but I think the laughs are more accessible than those in “Scott Pilgrim.” There’s even a Konami code joke. There’s not much depth here, but it’s just flat-out fun, the way a midnight movie should be. Oh, and Mark Hamill plays a monk. Now tell me you don’t want to see that. I dare you.

Oh, and we had the pleasure to see this short film in front of “Virtually Heroes.”

Days afterward, I can’t get Sundance out of my mind. It was truly a life-changing experience. I’ve learned to think about movies, humanity, even God, in new and surprising ways. I wish I could have blogged more while I was actually there, but running around Park City takes every ounce of energy out of you. Here’s a reflection on the films we saw, the conversations we had, and the thoughts that wouldn’t leave my mind. 

We saw a couple of fabulous documentaries at Sundance. “Life According to Sam” was an emotional roller-coaster centered around Sam, a teenager living with Progeria, a rare degenerative aging disease. The film chronicles his life as well as his mother’s long fight to find a cure or, at the very least, a treatment for the disease. We see the kids from around the world with the disease coming in for treatment, and their loving parents, who would do anything to give their kids a long and happy life. The film gets up close and personal, letting us see every skin crack, every misshapen limb, every tear. We see Sam’s mother being rejected time and again by scientific journals, a subtle indictment of our modern scientific culture, where a cure is not a cure unless it is backed by millions of dollars and years of testing. In the end, however, it is Sam who truly makes the film stand out. His positive spirit, his love and passion for life (not to mention brilliant mind) make his comfort with his own inevitable death all the more heartbreaking.

Then, there was “Citizen Koch,” a doc about our current political climate after the Supreme Court’s decision to treat corporations like people by allowing unlimited indirect donations to a political campaign. The film is an assault of image and sound, perfectly synchronized to make you very, very mad. By the end of the film, you’ll wonder why the rich and powerful are the only ones who have any chance at running this country. The film criticizes both Republicans and Democrats for taking part in this unjust political process. But, beyond that, it hopes that things can change, and that is, I think, what makes it memorable.

We take a much-needed break from the glitz and glamour of the Oscar race as we travel to cold, cold Utah for the Sundance Film Festival. The independent spirit is very much alive and well here in Park City, even if many feel like the crowds have gotten out of control. This is my first trip to the festival, and I have to say day one was mighty fun.

The flight was a lovely one, and the rest of the day was spent settling into the house we will be staying in for the week. Our first day is Monday, even though the festival technically started on Thursday. Our group consists of five Point Loma Nazarene University students and two professors. It’s a large house, and we all have plenty of space to call our own. Our host, Judy, is about as kind of a person as you’re likely to meet. She’s also a mighty fine artist; her house is filled with many of the paintings she has completed throughout her lifetime.

The wonderful house we’re staying in for the remainder of our trip.

One thing that strikes me about Utah is just how beautiful it is. There’s something to say about real snow, something I experience very rarely. It positively glimmers. There’s a reason why it’s considered prime snowboarding/skiing territory. But, we’re not here for that. We’re here to watch movies. And watch movies we shall.

We spent most of our day exploring a bit, familiarizing ourselves with the bus routes, the crowds and the cold weather (below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or so I’m told). We are participating in a program called the Wind rider forum, and, during our initial dinner, we watched Oscar-nominated shorts from two filmmakers (maybe we’re not too far away from the Oscars after all). The first film, called “Head Over Heels,” is a wonderful stop-motion story about an old couple who have lost their spark, and learn to embrace their differences and love once again. The film is up against some tough competition from “Simpsons” and Disney shorts, but it truly deserves its accolades, and draws some justified comparisons to Pixar’s “Up.” We had the great opportunity to chat with the director, Tim Reckart, over dinner. There’s something about a passionate young filmmaker who has nothing to lose that is truly inspiring. Tim, age 26, is truly basking in the moment. He said the stressful part was getting nominated, but he’s not too worried about whether or not he wins an Oscar. He’s just enjoying the ride. In him, I see the true independent spirit.

Fellow student Peter Varberg interviews Tim Reckart, whose animated short “Head Over Heels” is nominated for an Oscar.

When I say “independent spirit,” I struggle to define exactly what that means. It’s something more than having passion and drive, more than just distancing yourself from a major studio (in fact, many independent filmmakers would love to have a big-budget studio back one of their projects). I think it’s that burning desire to try something new, to never settle for anything less than your very best. It’s the ability to humble yourself and take the bruises along with the trophies. It means not only learning from your mistakes, but letting those mistakes inform your triumphs. That’s my working definition, anyway.

The independent spirit, whatever it is, is no less alive in Ariel Nasr, the producer of the Oscar-nominated short “Buzkashi Boys.” The story follows two kids growing up in Afghanistan, who have to come to grips with growing up and struggling with their identity. Although the film is very much rooted in the cultural traditions of its country, the themes are universal. The film hits home for Nasr, who is half Afghan. His goal is to demystify many aspects of Afghan life, a country that many Americans know little about, despite the fact that our military has been fighting there for over a decade. The work of these filmmakers is truly inspiring for anyone with a desire to create something that matters.

I was having some hesitation about this trip, but now I couldn’t be more excited. It’s a true must for anyone with a passion for film (and the real stuff hasn’t even started yet).

In this series, I look at some of the major players in the 2012 awards race and analyze their changes at taking home some shiny trophies.

And now for something completely different. “Silver Linings Playbook” is about as delightful and joyous of a comedy likely to come out of mainstream Hollywood. And yet, so much about it is not mainstream at all. Although I call it joyous, its characters are far from joyful (or delightful, for that matter).

Pat, played wonderfully by Bradley Cooper, is fresh out of mental institution after discovering his wife in the shower with another man. To put it lightly, pat snaps, soon revealing an undiagnosed bipolar disorder. In their Philadelphia home, Pat’s parents try to cope with his dramatic mood swings, while Pat tries to clean himself up in hopes that his wife will take him back and lift a restraining order against him. In the meantime, Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who recently lost her husband and has some issues of her own. She likes Pat, but Pat is too interested in getting his wife back to notice.

Here’s hoping being labeled as a “romantic comedy” doesn’t hurt this expertly acted and directed drama from taking home gold.

The Academy and other awards bodies have been unusually kind to “Silver Linings Playbook.” It’s easily the most lauded dramatic-comedy since “Juno” and “Little Miss Sunshine.” And there’s good reason for that. It’s easily the most surprising, engaging and honest film about mental illness to come along in a long, long time. These movies tend to either over-sentimentalize mental illness or use it simply to serve a contrived plot. There’s surprising little contrivance here, and that has a great deal to do with the performances from the best ensemble cast of the year. In this movie, everyone is crazy, conveying the important message that we’re all mentally ill, to one extent or another. It’s part of the human condition.

I’ve always liked Bradley Cooper as an actor, but I never expected he had this amount of range and depth. His performance here is nothing short of astonishing, incredibly moving yet real at every turn. Rarely does an actor truly understand the mental illness they’re portraying, but I have a feeling Cooper might be bipolar in real life. He’s that convincing. His deserved nomination for Best Actor should stand proudly alongside the likes of Daniel Day-Lewis. I don’t think he’ll win, but he really does deserve a statue.

The supporting cast is equally excellent. Jennifer Lawrence has been equally lauded for her supporting performance. I think its her eyes. Few actors have truly great eyes, but I can see here entire character encapsulated in her eyes. It’s remarkable, and her ability to go toe-to-toe with Robert DeNiro (who plays Pat’s father) is high praise indeed. I think she should be right up there in the conversation for Best Actress (a stacked category, to be sure).

Speaking of stacked categories, Robert DeNiro faces some stiff competition in the Best Supporting Actor category. All of the nominees are previous winners, but I think this is the best performance DeNiro has given in a long, long time as Pat’s football obsessed father, who may have some issues of his own. Jackie Weaver, who plays Pat’s mother, is equally good, although the Best Supporting Actress category is also incredibly stacked.

As far as Best Picture is concerned, the film really doesn’t have a chance. For some reason, it won’t be considered “dramatic” enough, and the award will go to a more “serious” film. “Juno” faced the same problem a few years ago. That’s a real shame. A film shouldn’t have to be dour or gritty to be taken seriously. And yet, that’s the way things work, at least for now. Maybe films like this will help change that.

David O. Russell’s screenplay and direction are both top-notch. It must be difficult to shoot a movie that contains mostly people talking, but O. Russell and his team manage to keep things visually interesting. I don’t think the Adapted Screenplay has much of a chance against Tony Kushner’s regal “Lincoln” and David Magee’s epic “Life of Pi,” but I am happy that it does seem like it is being taken seriously.

But, for now, I’m happy the film is up for 8 awards. The Academy could have easily overlooked it. Here’s hoping one of the most emotionally honest movies in years takes home some much-deserved gold.

One more thing: I’m thrilled that the film’s editing is getting recognition. The way the editors shoot the film makes the audience feel like they’re ready for some medication by the time the film is over. Creating insanity through visuals is no easy task.

See the full list of nominees here.

In this series, I look at some of the major players in the 2012 awards race and analyze their changes at taking home some shiny trophies.

“Lincoln” is deserving of top prizes, but I hope it doesn’t monopolize the awards conversation.

“Lincoln” has become this year’s awards darling, and for very good reason. It is nominated for 12 Academy Awards and deserves every nomination. That is a very rare thing indeed. The Academy tends to gravitate towards bloated, long-in-the-tooth melodramatic epics that span decades in both the movie’s timeline and, seemingly, the audience’s time as well.

Spielberg’s biopic, based in part on Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Team of Rivals,” manages to avoid many of the pitfalls of modern biopics. Past historically based winners like “Gandhi” and “The Last Emperor” have felt the need to cover entire histories of great leaders. This often results in bloated four hour-plus running times that test the audience’s patience before the film is even half over.

Now, I’m not criticizing long movies as boring. Some of my favorite films of all time (“Amadeus” or “The Deer Hunter,” for example), have lengthy running times. But, I’ve always been a fan of economy, and Tony Kushner’s script for “Lincoln” is anything but bloated. The film, running only a few minutes longer than the summer tent pole “The Avengers,” wisely sticks to the last four months of the president’s life, as he fights to ratify the 13^th amendment abolishing slavery. It’s a rare biopic indeed that doesn’t include a single wasted moment, a single superfluous detail about its subject’s life. Kushner’s original screenplay, which ran over 500 pages, must have been a bloated monstrosity better suited for a TV miniseries. But, whatever happened during the drafting process, it worked. Spielberg’s film is lean by many standards, but features some incredible moments that really sell the audience onLincoln’s humanity, flaws and all.

I keep coming back to the scene where Abe discovers his son lying asleep on the floor. Rather than telling the boy to get up and go to bed, he stoops down to his son’s level and picks him up. It’s easy to forget that our nation’s leaders can lead downright normal home lives, with all of the family dynamics typical of an American family. In his arguments with his wife, Mary Todd, we see his short and frazzled temper. In his conversations with his cabinet, we see his penchant for storytelling and even dirty jokes (by 19^th century standards). A good part of this humanity comes through in Daniel Day-Lewis’ indelible performance, which is destined for Oscar glory. He’s not just acting Lincoln: he is Lincoln, in every way he can be. Day-Lewis proves yet again why he is the greatest method actor of his generation.

“Lincoln” has a good chance at taking home the big prize come Oscar night, primarily because it is a handsome and impeccably polished biopic. I also think it’s one of the best movies Spielberg has ever done, so the accolades are indeed justified. It has some stiff competition (especially from “Zero Dark Thirty” and the marvelous “Life of Pi”), but I’d say its chances are still pretty good.

Can Spielberg take home his third statue for directing? I think so. It’s been fifteen years since he was awarded for “Saving Private Ryan,” and I think the Academy may feel fit to award him for the phenomenal work he’s done since. Still, he’s competing against some fine, less recognized directors, which may work against him. Still, the Academy seems to really love him.

While Day-Lewis is the most buzzed-about, one would be remiss to forget the tremendous acting that populates the rest of the film. Sally Field is marvelous as Mary Todd, and I don’t think Tommy Lee Jones can be praised enough for his role as Thaddeus Stevens. Still, both actors face some incredibly stiff and deserving competition (including a best supporting actor race featuring nothing but repeat winners).

“Lincoln” will certainly pick up a few more awards along the way. But, the one I’m really pulling for is Best Score. I’m of the opinion that John Williams can never have too many awards. Although he’s won five Oscars, he hasn’t won in 20 years. I think it’s time to recognize the greatest film composer of his generation once again.

“Lincoln” is most likely an instant classic, which makes it prime Oscar bait. Still, I hope some of the other excellent nominees are recognized in their deserved categories. After all, the Oscars are always more fun when one film doesn’t walk away with everything (with the notable exception of “Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” which was the greatest, geekiest Oscar telecast ever).

See the full list of nominees here. 

In this series, I look at some of the major players in the 2012 awards race and analyze their changes at taking home some shiny trophies.

“Life of Pi” should receive just as much recognition for its spiritual themes as for its groundbreaking visuals

Trying to describe the magic of “Life of Pi” with words is like explaining Aurora Borealis by piecing together strips of colored cloth and waving them through the air. There is a simple magic here that is so very rare in mainstreamHollywood, a magic that should serve the film well this awards season.

The basic story follows Pi, an Indian boy whose father runs a zoo. During a move from India to Canada, where the zoo is being relocated, the ship the family is traveling on is capsized and Pi ends up in a lifeboat with an odd assortment of animals, including Richard Parker, a Bengal tiger.

At first, Pi tries his best not to get eaten by Richard Parker, but the two ultimately form a bond through a series of events that are never anything short of visually stunning. The film is almost certain to win a few statues for technical awards. Comparisons to “Avatar” are common, but I think even that is not enough to describe the visual variety and inventiveness on display here. With everything from a giant whale to a school of flying fish to an island full of meerkats, the visuals on display are almost unprecedented. The film even looks great in 3-D, a rarity for such an effects-heavy film. Like “Avatar,” it was shot in 3-D, and the results are immediately apparent.

But, just as refreshing as the visuals are the themes and characters through which the story is told. I’ve never read the original book, but I can imagine why it was considered un-filmable by many. How to do justice to a story of such surging spiritual power? The film is ultimately about keeping faith in a higher power through the storms of life. For Pi, this higher power takes many forms. He is raise to pray to the Indian god Vishnu, but appreciates the prayer practices of Muslims and the personal relationship of Jesus Christ. Early in the film, Pi’s atheist father criticizes him for his winner-takes-all spiritual practices, arguing that science has provided all we need to know about the universe. Pi’s mother replies, “Yes, science may be able to explain what is out there, but not what is in here.” As she points to her heart, we realize this is a rare and special kind of film, one that sees our spiritual journey not as an optional adventure, but one that is crucial to our humanity.

As Pi’s adventure takes him to some dangerous places, Pi has his moments of doubt. He has his moments where he wants to give up on God. But he doesn’t. He relies on the miracle of faith, something that, indeed, science or the ingenuity of man can never explain. A magnificent ending twist reveals what we have already suspected all along: faith can not exist apart from story. A journey of faith necessitates coming and going, growth in the process of discovery. The ability to admit when you’re wrong without sacrificing your core values and beliefs. It seems simple, but it’s not a story Hollywood seems often willing to tell.

I think awards committees may feel refreshed by this focus, but 2012 was a year inundated with spiritually themed movies, and “Pi” may be somewhat forgotten. I sincerely hope not.  Here’s hoping it will be at least nominated for some big awards (best film and director nods) in addition to its technical accolades, because Hollywood needs to tell more stories like this. Stories that keep us looking up in the midst of the storms of life.

In some ways, it would be difficult to screw up a movie like “Skyfall.” In the year of the 50^th anniversary of the James Bond franchise, anticipation is at a high, and the team-up of Daniel Craig’s Bond and Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes sounded like a safe bet from the very beginning. But, a disappointing 22nd entry and a long hiatus cast doubt on the project. Thankfully, the filmmakers have done so much more than not screw up: they’ve created one of the best Bond films in the franchise’s storied history.

One of the most impressive things about “Skyfall” is how comprehensible the plot is. It may sound like an odd thing to compliment, but, after one too many plot twists in “Casino Royale” and the utter incomprehensibility of “Quantum of Solace,” the fact that this film maintains an interesting plot throughout is no small feat.

An insider has infiltrated MI6’s security system and is now killing off and revealing the name of secret agents. Bond, naturally, is tasked with tracking down the killer and dispensing him with his signature brand of stylish justice. In the meantime, MI6 is forced to defend itself from the British government, which accuses the program of irrelevancy. The film is much more focused on both Bond’s motivations and M’s (Judi Dench) back story. Rather than a demanding mother, M is finally presented as a well-rounded character with complex motivations and history. Dench has fully embodied the role, and has never been better.

Speaking of interesting characters and top-of-the-game acting, Javier Bardem’s Silva easily qualifies as one of the best baddies in Bond history, up there with Dr. No and Goldfinger. Silva embodies all that makes a good Bond villain: complex motivations, interesting banter and all-around viciousness. If his garish blonde hairpiece is any indication, Bardem’s performance is every bit as good as his Oscar-winning performance in “No Country for Old Men,” (which, famously, featured an equally-bad wig). Don’t be surprised if Bardem’s name is mentioned around Oscar season again (although, a Bond movie may be too “mainstream” to receive that kind of attention, which is a shame).

One area the film should have no hesitation in picking up a nomination for is the cinematography. “Skyfall” is one of the best-looking films of all time, bar none. It never ceases to amaze me what a difference effective lighting makes. From the opening shot of Bond as a shadowy stick figure to an absolutely stunning fist fight in a brightly-lit Shanghai skyscraper, veteran Director of Photography Roger Deakins (“The Shawshank Redemption,” “Fargo,”) interplay of light and shadow is a constant visual delight.

As the plot progresses and the audience becomes wrapped up in the characters, one thing is abundantly clear: “Skyfall” really feels like a Bond movie. As good as Craig’s previous outings were, they still felt like experiments in search of the Bond “formula.” Here, Mendes and crew have found it. Part of that has to do with Craig, who fully embodies the unlikely role of an aging Bond facing irrelevancy (a refreshing twist on the character). Beyond that, all the references, from the classic Bond theme to the various gadgets (courtesy of a great new Q, played by Ben Whishaw), reveal the filmmakers’ desire to allude to Bond’s past while still paving the way for the franchise’s future.

After just two movies, Craig’s Bond was starting to feel a bit stale. I didn’t think it was possible, but “Skyfall” reinvigorates the franchise. It’s intense, funny, gorgeous to look at, and a complete blast from start to finish. In a season of dreary Oscar-bait, it’s a jolt to the senses that you’ll want to see again as soon as it’s over. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate 50 years of Bond, and I can’t imagine anyone, Bond savant or not, walking away disappointed.

I am just old enough to remember a day when video game arcades were still relevant. Arcades like the Capcom-owned Nickel City, where I spent so many nickels for a good day’s entertainment, quickly fell by the wayside with the advent of the internet and high-definition gaming. Yes, we may have fancier graphics and more sophisticated mechanics, but there is still a hole left by true arcade gaming outside of amusement parks that nothing may ever truly fill.

“Wreck-it Ralph,” the latest from Disney animation studios, is nothing less than a love letter to the days when arcades ruled children’s lives. The arcade where the movie’s action takes place may very well make the film a period piece. It’s the kind of place where kids line up outside the door, full of sugar pockets full of quarters, waiting for the arcade to open.

In that arcade resides “Fix it Felix, Jr.,” a classic video game celebrating its 30^th anniversary. In that game lives Wreck-it Ralph (John C. Reilly), a prototypical “bad guy” whose sole job is to wreck the same building, day after day. Felix fixes it, becoming a hero to the residents, while Ralph is cast out and forced to spend his nights sleeping in a garbage dump.

In an ingenious plot device, when the arcade closes, the video game characters finish their “day jobs” of acting out their games and proceed with their lives. The arcade cabinets are connected by Game Central Station, where all characters from different games can mill about and visit different game worlds.

After 30 years, Ralph has had enough of being the reviled villain, and decides he wants to try being a hero. So, he sets out for “Hero’s Duty,” a hardcore sci-fi action game, in hopes of winning a medal so that everyone back in his game will like him.

After Ralph wins the medal, things go horribly awry, and he finds himself in “Sugar Rush,” a candy-themed racing game, where he meets Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman), who is determined to become a big racer in that game’s world. As his heart softens, Ralph decides he wants to help Penelope, in hopes that he will win his medal, which has been taken by King Candy (Alan Tudyk), the ruler of “Sugar Rush,” back.

If the names aren’t any indication, the film is replete with classic video game references, and the movie’s major joy comes from the resplendent visuals and the detailed backgrounds. Very few scenes do not feature a classic video game reference of some sort; everything from Pac-Man to Pong to Sonic the Hedgehog to Street Fighter. Even more obscure games like Tapper make appearances. The visuals are presented in stark contrast, as the worlds change from the gritty harshness or “Hero’s Duty” to the sumptuous brightness on display in “Sugar Rush.”

Most of the film’s humor will fly over kids’ heads, but they will enjoy the bright visuals; most of the film’s jokes are aimed squarely at the gaming faithful. Every once in a while, a movie comes along to cater to exactly the kind of geeky audience that eats stuff like this up. It’s by far the most overtly geeky movie since “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” and will probably be looked upon with similar reverence by fanboys, although the mass-market appeal of “Ralph” should ensure it a much better fate at the box office.

As Ralph’s game hopping reveals a danger that threatens to overtake the entire arcade, an incredibly unique thrill ride is born. There’s just so much going on in “Wreck-it Ralph,” all of it entertaining and often quite funny, but it would be very easy for the filmmakers to lose track in the visuals and action and forget to create a compelling story at the center. Thankfully, the film has a surprising heart. Ralph is likable from the get-go, and his character growth seems natural and satisfying. His relationship with Penelope is one of the sweetest in recent memory, and even his interactions with Felix and the fellow characters in his game world never seem anything less that genuine. Reilly brings a surprising tenderness to the role, recalling some of his better roles in films like “Chicago” and “Gangs of New York.” The voice cast, which also includes Jane Lynch and Ed O’Neil, is excellent all around.

If there’s one complaint, it’s that the film felt the need to shoehorn in a traditional villain in order to have an epic climax. I was perfectly happy following along on Ralph’s journey to prove himself. Even worse, having a villain goes against the “bad guys are not really bad guys” theme that the movie tries so hard to get across.

But, that’s really a minor flaw in a film that exceeds expectations on every level. Some traditional Disney tropes are present and accounted for, but the unique characters, setting and dialogue give it more of the freshness of a golden-era Pixar film. If the classic arcade of yore is truly dying, “Wreck-it Ralph” is set to assure that it goes out in a blaze of glory. Even better, it’s a perfect opportunity for parents to introduce to their kids the games that defined their childhood.

Side note: There is a surprisingly excellent animated short titled “Paperman” that plays before the movie. As excellent as “Wreck-it Ralph” is, the short was still a highlight. It’s very likely a shoo-in for a ‘best animated short’ Oscar nomination.