Exploring Vanellope's Independent Journey in a Rescuing-Driven Narrative

Since the release of the first Wreck It Ralph in 2012, the lovable glitchy racer Vanellope von Schweetz has captivated audiences with her independent spirit and unwavering friendships. The second film, Wreck It Ralph 2: Wrecked Ready to Go, further cemented her character’s legacy, showcasing her resilience and the bonds she formed with her friends. However, the question remains: should Vanellope have a standalone movie, and if so, should she be the protagonist, with the narrative focusing on her rescuing others?

While the idea of Vanellope being the protagonist in such a movie may seem appealing, there are several compelling reasons why her independent journey should be at the forefront, rather than her as a damsel in distress.

The Critics' Perspective: Predictability and Lack of Humanity

Many critics argue that focusing on Vanellope as the damsel in distress and having her fall in love with a teenage boy would be a return to old, predictable storytelling. They suggest that this narrative would be formulaic and trite, adding nothing new to the Wreck It Ralph franchise. Shadowa (2023) emphasizes the importance of humanity and friendship in the Wreck It Ralph movies. This approach aligns with Vanellope's character arc, which is built on her independence and the bonds of friendship.

The critic further argues that rescuing someone is an important part of storytelling. However, this should not always be the focus when the character in question is Vanellope. The Wreck It Ralph world already showcases the importance of the environment (the game world) and the importance of being true to oneself. Helen (2023) reiterates that the idea of the damsel in distress who falls in love with the rescuer is outdated and adds no value to Vanellope's character or the story.

The Cultural Impact: Age-Appropriate Content

The subject of romances with young characters, especially within the context of Disney films, is a highly sensitive one. Vanellope, at 12 years old, is a young character with a character who has been 12 for many years due to the nature of video games. Playfully, Shadowa (2023) comments on the absurdity of having Vanellope date a teenage boy, noting that even at 13, romantic relationships are still inappropriate and potentially problematic.

Furthermore, it is important to consider the cultural impact of such storylines. Helen (2023) stresses the importance of keeping the content age-appropriate. Disney films, especially those aimed at younger audiences, should avoid themes that may not be suitable or could give mixed messages to viewers of all ages. Vanellope's character should remain unaltered, reflecting her inherent independence and her strong, positive role model.

A Protagonist's Perspective: Keeping the Focus on Vanellope

The critic concludes by reiterating the importance of portraying Vanellope as an independent protagonist. Vanellope's strength lies in her ability to overcome challenges and help her friends without becoming the damsel in distress. As Helen (2023) points out, Vanellope has always been independent. Her character arc should continue to focus on her strength, resilience, and the bonds she forms with her friends, rather than on external narratives of rescuing others.

While a standalone film about Vanellope could be intriguing, it should aim to highlight her independent journey and her inherent strengths. Disney should continue to prioritize Vanellope's character integrity and her impact as an independent protagonist in the Wreck It Ralph universe.

References:

Helen (2023) - Cultural Impact and Age-Appropriate Content in Disney Films. Shadowa (2023) - Criticism of Damsel in Distress Narrative in Wreck It Ralph.