Parents' Guide to

Ratchet & Clank

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Video game-based sci-fi adventure is fun but forgettable.

Movie PG 2016 94 minutes
Ratchet & Clank Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 1 parent review

4myB&K
4myB&K Adult
March 22, 2017
age 6+

Cute Movie for game fans

My kids enjoyed it at 10, 6 and 3. I remember playing the games when I was younger and wanted to see how they made the movie. Very family friendly. Nothing questionable. They rangers like to shoot things and like their guns. That's to be expected. Capitan Quirk becomes a trader but he apologizes in the end and is forgiven. Good talking points about making good choices and letting jealously have you make bad choices.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Maniacal villain Chairman Drek (voiced by Paul Giamatti) is on a tear in RATCHET AND CLANK, destroying planets and taking bits of each one to build his vision of a perfect whole. But the Galactic Rangers are on the case, as is Ratchet (James Arnold Taylor), a lombax who works as a mechanic but has a big heart and an even bigger yearning for superhero-hood. His dream just might be realized when the Rangers put a call out for a new member -- aided by Clank (David Kaye), a "defective" robot, Ratchet might just get the chance to make his mark. Ratchet's role model is Captain Quark (Jim Ward), who leads the Rangers but is thirsty for an even brighter spotlight. Drek takes advantage of this and manages to lure Quark to the dark side; will right prevail over might?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (8):

This movie is fun and will no doubt appeal to audiences familiar with the PlayStation video game franchise it's based on. But it sure isn't deep, and its heartfelt messages about teamwork and doing what's right are somewhat diluted by an insistent sarcastic streak that, though funny at first, ultimately grows a little tiresome. The beauty of 3D, when done well, is that it can elevate a story with stunning graphics. But in this case, it feels a bit more like an afterthought. Ratchet and Clank plays like, yes, a video game: enjoyable but also forgettable.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what Ratchet and Clank says about fame and fortune. The galaxy rangers are keenly aware of their popularity: Does that affect how they do their jobs? What are the pros and cons of being famous?

  • Does the fact that much of the movie's violence is cartoonish affect its impact? Are different types of media violence "better" than others?

  • How does the story show the importance of courage, humility, and teamwork? Why are those key character strengths?

  • Is Ratchet careless, enthusiastic, or a little bit of both? Is that okay? Do you consider him a role model?

  • Fans of the games the movie is based on: Which do you like better? Why? What did they change for the movie? What would you have done differently?

Movie Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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