The first trailer for Disney’s 52nd animated feature, Wreck-It Ralph, is a video gaming paradise. Full of classic arcade characters, this film looks to please adults and kids alike.

John C. Reilly (Step Brothers) voices Ralph, the video game villain of ‘Fix-It Felix Jr.’ – a nod to the iconic Donkey Kong. Ralph’s tired of playing the bad guy and, after attending a support group for arcade villains, sets out to prove he can be decent chap by becoming the hero in other titles. Let the fun and games begin!

Rich Moore, who directed episodes of The Simpsons and Futurama, helms, with TV stars Jane Lynch (Glee) and Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program) lending a hand – or voice, as the case may be.

The retro and modern game settings look cool and the support group concept is amusing. But the cherry on top is the fact they have actual classic arcade characters in supporting roles. Who doesn’t love the Pac-Man Ghosts? – represented here by Clyde (the orange one). The Talking Heads tune on the trailer is also a nice retro touch.

Time will tell if this film has more to offer us than just nods and references, but I’m liking what I see so far.

You like? What’s your favourite retro game?

Walt Disney Animation Studios and Emmy-winning director Rich Moore take moviegoers on a hilarious, arcade-game-hopping journey in “Wreck-It Ralph.” Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix (voice of Jack McBrayer, “30 Rock”), the “good guy” star of their game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he’s tired of playing the role of a bad guy.  He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through every generation of video games to prove he’s got what it takes to be a hero.

On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch) from the first-person action game Hero’s Duty. But it’s the feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade.  Will Ralph realize his dream and save the day before it’s too late?

Directed by Rich Moore, the film’s voice talent includes John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman, Brandon T. Jackson, Stefanie Scott, Scott Menville, Skylar Astin, Jamie Elman, George Kotsiopoulos, Gerald C. Rivers and Jack Angel.

Wreck-It Ralph powers up New Zealand cinemas on December 26, 2012.