Ratchet and Clank Review

I give the game a 9/10! Let's move onto the movie now!

First off let me get this out of the way, even if I'm gonna state the obvious fact. I love Ratchet and Clank, I grew up playing the PS2 games, and I count the series as one of my favorite video game franchises of all time. So yes I am a fan of the dynamic duo, so be aware I am gonna be a bit biased for this film because it is Ratchet and Clank, however I won't ignore the glaring problems this movie has, but please be aware I won't be the most objective reviewer out there (Of course the other critics weren't objective either).

Without spoiling too much, here's the plot synopsis. Ratchet is an alien feline like creature called a lombax whose been living with his guardian Grim on the planet Veldin for most of his life. He has no idea of his past or who his parents were, (This is explored in the PS3 games). He wants to be a Galactic Ranger for all his life, and he is finally given the chance to become one. The Galactic Rangers are looking for a new recruit after 5 planets have been destroyed by the Blarg, led by Chairman Drek of Drek Industries. The Galactic Rangers hold a try out on Ratchet's planet, and Ratchet auditions to be a Ranger. However, he is shunned by them for lacking the proper experience.

On the Blarg planet Quartu, at the warbot factory, Drek is creating hundreds of warbots to finally kill the Galactic Rangers. Clank is created, and knows of Drek's plan to wipe out the Rangers. Clank is rejected by the factory's computer due to his small size, and he is chased off by Drek's robot lieutenant Victor Von Ion. Clank escapes Quartu in a ship, but Victor shoots it with his gun right as it takes off. Clank crashes into Veldin, where he is found by and saved by Ratchet. Clank tells Ratchet of Drek's plan to kill the rangers, and needs to find a way to get to their headquarters. Ratchet sees this as a way to be a ranger, and decides to help Clank out. 

The plot is by the numbers a young rookie trying to be a hero he dream't of, and becomes one kind of thing. It's by no means awful though, but it's been done to death already. So it's nothing unique. However, I do believe it works well for a movie aimed at kids, and for a video game franchise like Ratchet and Clank. Let's be honest here, the stories of the PS2 and even the PS3 games were never Shakespearean to begin with. The plot of this film works for what it tries to do. 

One of the most common complaints that the character's weren't as fleshed out. However I argue there were some character development in this movie. Ratchet comes to terms with that being a hero isn't what he thought it would be, and the reality sinks in after a certain blunder happens in the movie. So Ratchet does grow as a character in the movie along with Qwark who sees the failings of his own egotistical ways. The two learn fame and glory has blinded them in their lives. So thus they try to correct the errors they made.

However I still would've love to learn Ratchet's relationship with his guardian Grim more, aside from being his student. One can infer Grim is Ratchet's dad to an extent due o him taking care of him since he arrived in Veldin when he was a kid. 

The movie has an abundance of jokes, and every moment theres a comical thing going on. While some jokes fall flat, I think they done a good job in making me chuckle, as these jokes are mostly aimed at kids. Honestly though I believe they should've cut some of these jokes out for more action scenes. Believe it or not, Ratchet doesn't get alot of action aside from the final parts of the movie.

One criticism I have for this movie is the pacing. With it being 90 minute movie, it jumps to scene from scene rather quickly, and honestly it felt like it was over so soon. They should've been given extra time for Ratchet and his robot pal, as they're not often together in the film. Which is I think a big mistake, since the series is about the two and their friendship. Ratchet is usually with the rangers, and Clank is relegated as a support role. However whenever these two are together they show pretty good chemistry, and it brings out good memories I have of them from the games.

Is the movie good? Yes. Can a non fan enjoy it? Well I think kids will enjoy it, but if you're not a fan you may not like as the movie is full of fanservice (Not the NSFW kind). However I think if you can look past the some of the kiddy jokes and want to enjoy some fun adventure in space go see it.

I'll give it a 7/10.