My Ratchet and Clank review

My Ratchet and Clank review

Intro: Let's see a video game movie that's animated check. The company that's behind the game is involved with this movie check. Good writing X. Marketing X. I wish I could say two out of four is not bad. 

Ratchet and Clank: This movie is centered on a lombax name Ratchet who works as a mechanic but wants to do more with his life. Ratchet gets his chance when he learns about a plant-destroying weapon thanks to a robot name Clank. So, he joins the Galactic Rangers in order to stop this weapon. That task becomes difficult when there is tension among the ranks. S, Ratchet and Clank have to do what they can to stop this weapon before it's too late.   

This movie is a shameless Star Wars knock-off! I wouldn't have minded this if A we didn't get the force awakens. B If this movie was a parody of Star Wars but it wasn't. For the most part, I don't consider this movie funny. Part of the reason why is because the movie makes jokes about modern culture, it feels out of place in this setting to me. The changes this movie made from the game it's based on makes no sense and doesn't help the movie. I like the idea of the brains of the team resenting the field members. Sadly, the movie wasted that idea. The story is so lazy that I wish the writers would do something to subvert our expectations. Whenever there is a twist or a plot point it doesn't surprise you or it goes nowhere. The movie is also lazy with its theme if it has one. It's hard to care about the characters because we don't spend enough time with them to appreciate their dynamic with each other. plus, most of them are childish or dumb. Why is this movie called Ratchet and Clank if we don't get a lot of screen time with them together? 

Ratchet is kind, ambitious and adventurous. What bugs me about him is that he is not like his video game counterpart. In the game, he was a reluctant hero and a jerk. Making him like his video game counterpart would give him character development. The writers could have done something with him being the last of his kind. I mean how does he feel about that?  

Clank has on personality beyond being the straight man. The movie set him up to be intentionally funny, but the writers don't capitalize on it.  

Capt. Qwark is a self-centered idol! Seriously, how is this butt chin the leader of the Galactic Rangers? I'm also mad that he is not like his video game counterpart. Well, he kind of was but the movie did go all the way with it. 

Drek (the main villain) is suppose to be manipulative and ruthless. But he's not too bright. We don't know why he's blowing up plants.      

 

Dr. Nefarious is the typical mad scientist. What annoys me about him is that he shouldn't be in the movie because he overshadows Drek.   

Besides The animation, references to the PlayStation and a few laughs there is nothing else I like about this movie. Overall, this was another failed attempt to give us a good video game movie. That's a shame because the story in the first game could have worked as a movie. 

Rating = Rental  

My review of The Jungle Book 2016

My review of The Jungle Book 2016 

 

Intro: Come on! Do I really have to explain why I'm against this movie? First of all this is a remake to the 1967 animated film, Hollywood hasn't mastered the art of remakes for the most part. Second this movie is live action why? Does it cost more to do a movie in live action? ( If the answer is no then I stand corrected.) What made me give this movie a chance is the trailers this movie looks different from the animated version. (I know trailers are not reliable these days however I'm willing to take a leap of faith for time to time.) 

Plus the book that this movie is based on must be popular since there are so many versions of this story. 

Also I'm not crazy about the cartoon version, I'll explain why later. So is this movie just like the animated version or worse? Let's find out... 


The Jungle Book 2016: This movie is centered on a boy name Mowgli who lives in the jungle with the Wolf pack, he learns how to survive in the wilderness plus fit in with the other animals. That becomes difficult for him when a Tiger name Shere Khan shows up and wants to kill Mowgli because he's afraid that he'll pose a threat to the other animals. So Mowgli has to leave the Wolf pack and go to the man village before Shere Khan can find him.    

This movie is a good example of how to do a remake! I say that because this movie is different from the 1967 version, do to better characterization, adding details to the story and a darker tone. These alterations help improve the story and make it easy for both kids and adults to watch this movie. That’s what bugs me about the cartoon version it was hard for me to take the story seriously because of how goofy that movie was. 

Don’t get me wrong I don't think that version was bad however when you have a story about a Tiger trying to kill a boy and you put songs and comedy in it it’s distracting. Don't worry the movie has lighthearted moments and humor. The premise may sound simple but it's not, there are obstacles that get in Mowgil's way and they make him reconsider where he belongs? The visual effects are impressive the animals almost look real.       

Mowgil is mature for his age and smart. I'm impress with what he can invent with his environment. My beef with him is that he never question his heritage. 

Bagheera is Mowgil's mentor he teach him what he needs to know in order to survive in the jungle. 

Baloo is just like the animated version as far as being carefree. 

King Louie is the Godfather of the jungle however he's still silly. I like this interpretation of the character because it shows that the animals can be a danger to each other. 

Shere Khan ( the main villain.) is bloodthirsty and clever. He could have been sympathetic if he didn't carry himself as threatening. My gripe with him is that I'm not crazy that he's connected to Mowgil's backstory because it doesn't add any emotional weight for Mowgil. Also Shere Khan is not as charismatic as the animated version.    

My problems with this movie is the way it ended because the ending undermines the story. Because the animals are more realistic it’s hard to know what they think or feel due to their lack of facial expression. The climax is short and the songs in this movie feels force and out of place. This movie could have done a better job with the nature vs nurture theme. 

I can't say that this is the best adaptation of the jungle book however this is the best movie I've seen so far this year. If the rest of the Disney live action remakes did the same thing this movie did I wouldn't mind watching them again. 

Rating = Worth seeing