Ratchet and Clank Movie Review

Ratchet and Clank

When a video game franchise is extremely popular with fans, it’s inevitable that a movie is bound to be made. So it is with Ratchet and Clank; the video games started in 2002 and never stopped when the animated movie was released in 2016. Serving as some sort of prequel to the games, this film dives into deep themes such as friendship, heroism, and fame.

Positive Elements: Ratchet is a Lombax and the last of his kind. He’s smart, intelligent, and kind to everyone he meets. Ratchet helps Grim (his boss) with fixing ships, and refuses to break his promises. To that extent, he skips out on a fame event to keep a solid promise to Grim. Indeed, the film teaches viewers that being dependable workers is more rewarding.

Clank comes from a warehouse made to destroy the Galactic Rangers. While some characters see him as a “defect,” he provides helpful information at several junctures. No wonder Ratchet and Clank are great partners; they have the other’s back even when times are tough. They deeply treasure their partnership as the movie treads on.

Ratchet and Clank provides another excellent lesson about fame. One character comes to regret selling out his team and helps Ratchet save the galaxy. Clank makes it clear that “fame is overrated and not very rewarding.” Ratchet initially thinks in order to be a hero, he has to “do big things.” However, after a mission fallout, Grim comforts him with “You don’t have to be a hero to do big things. Just the right ones.” Ratchet takes this advice to heart and sacrifices his life for not only his teammates, but the galaxy as well.

Elaris and Clank are often overlooked and frustrated with how others treat them. The other Rangers learn to listen to their ideas and grow as a team. A character apologizes for his misdeeds and concludes with “Prepare to be blown away by my epic humility.”

Sensual Content: Cora and Elaris both wear form-fitting outfits throughout the film. Ratchet tells Clank that he crash landed on a certain planet as a baby (though who his parents are is unclear).

Violence: The film contains several scenes of zapping action. For instance, Drek uses a weapon called the Deplanetizer to destroy some planets and we notice the planet pieces split apart. Ratchet tries out some destructive weapons when first becoming a Ranger. One character flies through the walls. Victor tries to kill Clank on two different occasions; the first time he fails, the second time Clank outsmarts Victor by letting him turn to rust.

Drek is turned into a sheep by Dr. Nefarious. Some characters are blown into space through wind hatches. A character uses a whirling tornado trying to suck Ratchet and Clank in. Drek traps Ratchet in an electric form bubble. Drek’s henchmen shoot lasers at the Rangers in two battle scenes. Ratchet uses a mag booster to draw robots away from the city and knocks Dr. Nefarious into space using a weapon of his own.

Language: Some light flirtations with profanity include “kick some asteroid” and “Rip You A New One (RYNO).” A few name calling words such as “idiot,” “maniac” and “butt.”

Drugs/Alcohol: None

Other Negative Elements: Ratchet lies to Clank once. There are quite a few bathroom humor jokes in the mix. Ratchet and another character vomit after time traveling back into a ship (offscreen).

(Spoiler Warning): Captain Qwark sells out his team in order to maintain his celebrity status. Ratchet is disappointed when finding this out. Qwark is also quite vain at times. For example: he belittles Ratchet when the latter tries out for being a Ranger. He comments that people don’t have his “glory” or chiseled like “jaw.” Qwark also refuses to listen to other people’s ideas, thinking he is a hotshot.

There is a betrayal between two villains in the story. Drek treats his employees with no compassion and has Victor chomp on one’s phone. The employees also text on their phones when Drek isn’t looking.

Conclusion: Ratchet and Clank might not peak adult’s interest and can be predictable at some points. You know what? That’s okay. As an adult, I totally understand that this film might not be for everyone.

There are light flirtations with profanity and name calling words you don’t want your kids to repeat. A few negative choices are made and could encourage viewers to emulate them. While the action isn’t intense, it is sometimes hard to watch our heroes get shot at and planets being destroyed. Plus, parents won’t be thrilled with light bathroom humor either.

However, while Ratchet and Clank has some problems, it teaches valuable lessons. We notice a treasured partnership between the two main characters. Ratchet learns fame is not worth sacrificing family and friends for. There are important lessons about doing the right thing and opening up to new ideas.

The one thing I appreciated about this film was how the filmmakers didn’t include adult humor or sly innuendo. They decided to stick to their guns and in doing so, created a kid’s movie that isn’t washed in problematic content. The themes are present, but not overbearing.

As for Ratchet’s idea of “doing big things,” it’s emphasized as a negative way of thinking. He makes mistakes, rushes into situations, and loses sight of the important things in life. Similarly, we humans make the same mistake, thinking we need to be “famous” or “liked” in order to make a difference in the world. Nothing could be further from the truth.

We live in a culture where people keep taking drastic measures to maintain the status quo. They often do it as they see fit. In other words, the world preaches “If it seems right, do it!” Jeremiah 17:9-10 rebukes this: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Ratchet and Clank teaches viewers that just because our ideas seem okay, doesn’t mean they’re always wise.

When it comes to correction, Proverbs 12:1 is clear as day: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” We see this in Captain Qwark: he rebukes other’s ideas and makes foolish decisions. However, when Ratchet reminds him of who he is, Qwark has a change of heart.

Ratchet and Clank is a powerful film with valuable lessons for everyone. Despite light content concerns, this film manages to hold on its own. It never wavers from the family friendly factor, and that is refreshing to see