For a certain niche of people in their mid-twenties and younger, a Ratchet & Clank film is a bizarre and nostalgic prospect. Reassuringly, these videogame fan favourites have made it onto the big screen with all their trademark wit, but still bear the same flaws as their console-bound forms.

The humour is self-deprecating and referential (the Wilhelm scream gag is an instant classic), knowingly sending up the clichés of sci-fi blockbusters to great effect.

While the action and animation are passable, there’s no real sense of wonder or thrill to the direction in this universe full of potential.

Most videogames aren’t known for their story, and in its transition to film, Ratchet & Clank has failed to find that most crucial ingredient.

RATING: 2/5

INFORMATION

CAST: James Arnold Taylor, David Kaye, Jim Ward, Rosario Dawson, John Godman, Sylvester Stallone, Paul Giamatti

DIRECTORS: Kevin Munroe, Jericca Cleland

WRITERS: T.J. Fixman, Kevin Munroe, Gerry Swallow

SYNOPSIS: When the galaxy comes under the threat of a nefarious space captain, a mechanic and his newfound robot ally join an elite squad of combatants to save the universe.