Blu-ray Review: ‘Ratchet & Clank’

Review by Monique Thompson

The film is an origin story that retells the events of the original Ratchet & Clank, depicting how Ratchet & Clank met each other as they attempt to save the Solana Galaxy from being destroyed by Chairman Drek and the Blarg. However, the film expands on various plot points in greater detail, and incorporates some elements from later series entries, such as the introduction of Doctor Nefarious and the Galactic Rangers.

Anyone familiar with the Ratchet & Clank view game may be a little excited about the release of the animated science fiction film with the same namesake. While I’ve obviously never played the game before, other gamers are quite happy that the film has stayed true to the game. Reprising their roles from the game, James Arnold Taylor is back as Ratchet and David Kaye as Clank. The duo battles Chairman Drek, voiced by Paul Giamatti this time, and the Blarg in hopes of saving the Solana Galaxy.

While there’s a good amount of action, one interesting tidbit I noticed while sitting in the packed theater is how the little ones seemed to be restless. After about 20-30 minutes into the film, several of the kiddos were being escorted out for breaks. While granted this was a Saturday morning screening so maybe the Wheaties hadn’t kicked in yet, but most animated films are on Saturday mornings. It just seems this one didn’t quite keep their attention. Most of the storyline is based off the first video game which was released late 2002, so obviously, most of the kiddos now were never thought of then. While the film was still quite entertaining, Ratchet & Clank just didn’t have enough to keep the younger viewers engaged all the way through. However those familiar with the game would definitely enjoy this adaptation.