Kick Some Asteroid on April 29 with Ratchet & Clank

 

Last weekend I was invited to attend a press event for the upcoming animated film Ratchet & Clank, distributed by Focus Features and Gramercy Pictures (a Comcast company). The lovely Marvin Gray and Kirstin Carag of Focus Features were on deck to organize the event and welcome all of us on board.

 

 

 

I checked into the trendy SIXTY Hotel in Beverly Hills on Friday, late afternoon. The SIXTY hosts Caulfield’s Bar & Dining Room on the main floor and a hip rooftop bar and poolside lounge, Above SIXTY, where you can score an amazing view of the city. My room was quant and offered a small balcony, flat screen TV, desk, king-size bed, and darkly tiled shower. Mirrored beams struck the headboard and onto the ceiling. It was definitely an urban hideaway.

 

 

The press screenings were held Friday night and Saturday morning at the Real D Theater on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills, CA. I attended the initial screening with fellow bloggers that were also staying at the SIXTY Hotel. I quickly ordered some eggplant meatballs at the bar ($15) – my first meal of the day, so I was starving! After enjoying a quick bite to eat I joined everyone across the street at the Real D Theater.

 

 

We walked into the 5:30 PM showing of Ratchet & Clank and… I cannot wait to tell you what I think of the film: its characters, the storyline, and the creators involved! Check back on April 28^th as I will be releasing a full review the evening before Ratchet & Clank releases nationwide!

 

Official IMDB Synopsis:

“Ratchet and Clank tells the story of two unlikely heroes as they struggle to stop a vile alien named Chairman Drek from destroying every planet in the Solana Galaxy. When the two stumble upon a dangerous weapon capable of destroying entire planets, they must join forces with a team of colorful heroes called The Galactic Rangers in order to save the galaxy. Along the way they’ll learn about heroism, friendship, and the importance of discovering one’s own identity.”

 

Check out the official Ratchet & Clank trailer!!!

 

Stay up-to-date with exclusive Ratchet & Clank news, images, and videos on Facebook and Twitter. #RatchetAndClank @RatchetMovie

 

 

Following the press screening, everyone gathered at Caulfield’s Bar & Dining Room, situated on the main level of the SIXTY. We were presented with custom-made Ratchet & Clank 3-course menus – offering everything from crab cakes, garlic-rosemary rack of lamb, prime hanger steak, vegetable lasagna, and flourless chocolate cake. I opted for the ahi tuna crudo (blood orange, fresh mint, avocado, citrus vinaigrette) as my appetizer, the roasted chicken (mascarpone whipped potatoes, jus, brussels sprouts) for my entree, and the key lime pie to suite my sweet tooth. Mmmmm! Everything was delicious…

 

 

The Ratchet & Clank press conference took place at the Four Seasons Hotel Saturday afternoon, a short shuttle ride away from SIXTY. We grabbed a quick bite from the food spread (full of bagels, fruit, and pastries) and awaited the director’s arrival. Kevin Munroe, director of Ratchet & Clank, arrived shortly thereafter and was completely humble and welcoming. Known for TMNT and Dylan Dog: Dead of Night, his passion for filmmaking shined through as he enthusiastically answered each of our questions. Actors Bella Thorne (voice of Cora) and James Arnold Taylor (voice of Ratchet) entered with a bang about 15 minutes later. Their witty banter continued throughout the press conference and so did our laughter! James even charmed us with a live remix of his voice impressions and a heartfelt story on his journey to Hollywood and voiceover acting. Highlights of the press conference will be included in our upcoming movie review – so be on the lookout!

 

 

We were able to get a group photo with James Arnold Taylor. What a ball of positivity he is!!! You can score his book, JAT 365: 365 Inspirations for the Pursuit of Your Dreams, on Amazon.

 

 

Immediately afterward we booked it up to the 15^th floor where we met Ratchet in person and were able to see the new Ratchet & Clank Playstation 4 game in action. Insomniac Games was on hand to answer all of our questions. Even better? We scored a copy of the game – which is rated E for everyone, so it’s perfect for the entire family! Oh… and I bet you are wondering if a Sheepinator will exist… You can see for yourself by nabbing the game here! Also, enter our Ratchet & Clank PS4 Game GIVEAWAY here!!! The giveaway ends on April 29, 2016. 

 

Ratchet got a little lovely dovey with me and I was lucky enough to get a little kiss on the hand. What a way to end the day! Oooh la la!

 

Take your kiddos to the theater on April 29th and help Ratchet & Clank kick some asteroids! …and remember, you don’t have to do big things to be a hero – just the right ones.