2012’s Wreck-It Ralph is a rather interesting film. Combining video game worlds, cameos from game characters and a story about misunderstood outsiders, the film was a decent endeavor from Disney Animation. It was also a touch bold as a film that strayed away from the typical Disney formula. Six years later sees its sequel, Ralph Breaks the Internet. As one would expect with that title, this sees the titular Ralph and his friend Vanellope travelling to the World Wide Web, discovering online gaming, websites and even memes. With this new film, the world gets expanded, and the characters have stronger, more interesting conflicts. In short, while not a masterpiece, Ralph Breaks the Internet manages to improve upon its predecessor.

While the first Ralph‘s world was interesting, it only scratched the surface of arcade gaming. Only a few video games got a spotlight in the first film. It makes sense when it comes to the story, but it feels like there should have been more.

However, directors Rich Moore and Phil Johnston manage to deliver when it comes to their depiction of the Internet. Not only are there more varied locations, from real-world sites like eBay to a fictional YouTube to online games, the film takes advantage of all things Web-related.

In particular, items like search engines and algorithms have very clever depictions. This is thanks to some great new characters, like Alan Tudyk’s brainy Knowsmore, and Taraji P. Henson’s stylish and trendy Yesss. Not only are both voice performances fantastic, the character designs and animation are stellar. Just their subtle movements give out so much character. I particularly like Yesss changing outfits in every scene.

The actual production design is also quite something. The walking avatars, the way characters get directed to websites, the ruins of dial-up. The team at Disney Animation clearly had a blast designing the Web. The depiction of websites like Ebay and Instagram in particular are some of my favorites. The famous Oh My Disney scene, featuring several Disney Princess cameos, is also fun, with many great in-jokes and gags. It also never feels self-congratulatory nor like it’s promoting a product. That was a fear many had, but that’s not the case.

There’s also still video game content here. Ralph and Vanellope travel to Slaughter Race, a Grand Theft Auto-esque racing game. This is where some of the most action-packed scenes take place. There’s great chase scenes, and a fun new character named Shank, played by Gal Gadot. I also like some of the subtle touches in the animation, as game players have more stilted animation than the non-playable characters. There’s a lot to like in the Slaughter Race scenes, and are the film’s highlights.

But what really makes the film stand out is its core message of friendship. Because the first film established Ralph and Vanellope’s relationship, the sequel expands and tests their friendship. The film emphasizes that holding friends back is a bad thing, and that it’s good and healthy for things to change. Both characters have strong arcs that connect to this theme and the Internet setting. Vanellope’s time in Slaughter Race help her in her drive in wanting more. There’s also a great musical number involving that setting. Alan Menken, of course, pens the tune.

Meanwhile, Ralph deals with the toxicity of the Internet. This leads to him becoming more possessive of Vanellope and his friendship with her. This perfectly showcases how the Internet can bring out the worst in people and preys on users and their insecurities. It also subtly tackles toxic masculinity and how the Internet breeds such ideas. This leads to some strong pathos and a solid finale. Considering much of the film’s younger audience is growing up with the Internet, a message like this really means something.

There’s so much to appreciate in Ralph Breaks the Internet, being everything a sequel should be. It takes what made the original so popular, expands on the universe and characters and has great stuff for fans and newcomers. With great characters, fun animation and strong themes, this is a worthy follow-up to the 2012 flick.