A popular PlayStation game serves as the simple foundation for **‘Ratchet & Clank,’** a playful animated adventure aimed at children. This kid-friendly space story, drawing on its established popularity with video game fans, could be considered a smaller version of ‘Star Wars’ designed for younger viewers. It seems hard to imagine that kids wouldn't find this big screen adaptation an appealing action movie worth enjoying. After all, what isn't likeable about the roguish and heroic Ratchet (also known as a ‘lombax’) with his space adventurer look, alongside the cute, clanking companion Clank, who is a robotic character reminiscent of R2D2 from George Lucas’s famous film? Our heroes are trying to save the universe, and young video game enthusiasts will surely enjoy this fun-loving fantasy. Unfortunately, **‘Ratchet & Clank’** feels like a predictable, formulaic movie that will likely hold children's attention. However, for others, the main characters get lost in what is otherwise a serviceable but slow cartoon adventure designed primarily for kids. Directors Kevin Monroe and Jerrica Cleland occasionally capture the chaotic energy and spirited fun, as promised by the film’s poster to ‘kick some asteroid.’ It’s disappointing that the straightforward storytelling can't overcome its conventional nature; viewers might find more excitement playing the video game itself than watching this kinetic but unremarkable animated showcase. Essentially, **‘Ratchet & Clank’** feels safe and generic, failing to explore deeper themes behind its simple good versus evil plot—something that could even feel overdone for children eager to see these planetary protectors do something new beyond their gaming origins. The young mechanic Ratchet (voiced by James Arnold Taylor, who also voiced the character in the video game) dreams of joining the prestigious Galactic Rangers, known for their crime-fighting on his home planet. His ambition worries his boss and mentor Grimroth (John Goodman), who isn't thrilled with his employee’s aspirations. The Galactic Rangers are currently recruiting new members to expand their unit, offering Ratchet a chance to become a superhero and gain acceptance. Meanwhile, the villainous Chairman Drek (Paul Giamatti) is destroying planets across the galaxy, which is why the Galactic Rangers want to grow their ranks. He needs to be stopped in his destructive mission. Drek’s plans are aided by his second-in-command robot Victor (Sylvester Stallone) and scientific advisor Dr. Nefarious (Armin Shimerman from “Star Trek Deep Space Nine”), who create killer robots designed to eliminate the Galactic Rangers. This raises the question: does Ratchet truly understand what he's getting into regarding his desire to become a Galactic Ranger? A small turncoat from Drek’s robotic forces, the rejected Clank (voiced by David Kaye), escapes and warns the Galactic Rangers about Drek’s plans. Ratchet and Clank first meet by chance, but after they stop an attack by Drek's robot soldiers, they are invited into the team thanks to their heroic efforts. Captain Quark (Jim Ward), head of the Galactic Rangers, has doubts about the enthusiastic duo, but the other members welcome them with open arms. Their goal is to defeat Drek and his henchmen, Dr. Nefarious and Victor, who threaten the universe. Despite moments of wit and energy, **‘Ratchet & Clank’** feels like a rehash of familiar animated stories while also echoing the ‘Star Wars’ formula—a young hero from another planet trying to save the galaxy from evil forces. There are colorful action sequences and gun battles that will entertain kids as they watch space battles unfold. The two main characters, Ratchet and especially the cheerful Clank, should be an endearing odd couple. Drek's villainy and his robots’ schemes may excite younger viewers. The intention behind **‘Ratchet & Clank’** is to maintain the feel and energetic style of its video game source material. If that’s the case, why bring this fantasy to the big screen if it can't occasionally break free from its gaming inspiration? It’s surprising how quickly paced and uneven the jokes are in this kid-friendly space adventure, especially considering it’s based on a fourteen-year-old video game. The voice actors, including Rosario Dawson as Alaris and Bella Thorne as Cora, add some enjoyment to their roles, evoking memories of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and Daisy Ridley’s character Rey. Ultimately, all these elements in **Ratchet & Clank** boil down to just another basic "good versus evil" story for the young audience. It's certain that **‘Ratchet & Clank’** will be entertaining for younger viewers, but others might prefer a nostalgic rerun of “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space” instead. **Ratchet & Clank (2016)** Focus Features 1 hr. 34 mins. Starring (the voices of): James Arnold Taylor, David Kaye, John Goodman, Sylvester Stallone, Paul Giamatti, Rosario Dawson, Bella Thorne, Jim Ward, Armin Shimerman, Vincent Tong Directed by: Kevin Munroe and Jerrica Cleland MPAA Rating: PG Genre: Sci-Fi/Space Fantasy/Action & Adventure/Kids & Family/Animation Critic’s rating: ** stars (out of 4 stars)** **(c) Frank Ochieng**

Source on TMDB