Ratchet & Clank   Starring (voice): Paul Giamatti, John Goodman, Bella Thorne, Rosario Dawson, Jim Ward, James Arnold Taylor, David Kaye and Sylvester Stallone Distributor: Lionsgate Home Entertainment RRP: £15.99 LID95346 Certificate: U Release Date: 29 August 2016

Ratchet, a foolhardy Lombax and the last of his kind, has grown up all alone, desperate to make something of himself in the universe. Upon meeting Clank, a pint-sized robot with more brains than brawn, the pair decides to band together and lead the quest to stop the evil alien, Chairman Drek, who has designs on using a dangerous weapon capable of destroying entire planets and taking over the galaxy. With the fate of the universe on their shoulders, this unlikely pair embarks on a whirlwind adventure through outer-space, where they learn about heroism, courage, and the importance of having a good friend by your side...

For many people, myself included, Ratchet & Clank holds a special place in our hearts. Many of us grew up with the exploits of these two wonderful characters but, sadly, as we grew up we sort of out grew them. I have to admit to not having played one of their games since the days of the PS2. In fact, I didn't think they were still making them, and until the press release for this DVD landed in my inbox I'd forgotten all about the duo. The mere mention of Ratchet & Clank sent waves of nostalgia coursing through my body.

Sadly, because of the fondness people have for characters like this, it usually means that no matter how good the finished movie is that it's unlikely to meet expectations. And in part that is true. However, coming to this afresh (it features an origins story) means that you're seeing events unfold before Ratchet & Clank meet each other for the first time.

The movie borrows heavily from Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace for its origins story. Ratchet, like Anakin Skywalker, is genius when it comes to fixing space ship engines. He even works underneath Grimroth Razz, who is very similar to Watto.

The movie introduces us to Chairman Drek who, like Grand Moff Tarkin (Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope) has a fondness for blowing up planets with his latest super weapon. We also see Ratchet become a member of the Galactic Rangers.

There's just the one extra: A Hero's Journey (7 min, 14 sec) which is basically cast and crew giving their input on what the movie's about.

It's a fun movie, that a young audience will instantly love. Personally, I felt a little too old for the humour. While it does work on several levels in order to appeal to adults as well as children, it's not nearly mature or funny enough to really hold the attention of anyone over 14.

7

Darren Rea