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| “ | Why be you, when you can be new? | „ |
| ~ Ratchet's most famous catchphrase as he changes Bigweld's slogan. |
| “ | Rodney: LET GO OF HIM! Ratchet: *chuckles* Sure. Listen kid, it's over. You lost. Bigweld is gonna be melted down into next season's upgrades along with YOU, YOUR MORONIC COFFEPOT, and Cappy. Such a waste. |
„ |
| ~ Ratchet angrily telling them that he is planning on melting down Bigweld, along with Rodney, Wonderbot, and Cappy. |
| “ | This is the last day any outmode will ever see! | „ |
| ~ Ratchet's villainous breakdown and rising to power as he's ready to crush the heroes. |
Phineas T. Ratchet, better known simply by his surname Ratchet, is the secondary antagonist of Blue Sky Studios' 2nd full-length animated feature film Robots, which is based on numerous works of the film's producer William Joyce.
He briefly takes over Bigweld Industries through lies and manipulation so that he can recycle all outmoded and discarded robots in town as ingots to be used for upgrades until Bigweld fired him. He is Madame Gasket's son and right-hand bot, as well as Rodney's arch-nemesis.
He was voiced by Greg Kinnear in the film, who also portrayed Tom Lockwood in You, and by Jim Meskimen in the video game adaptation.
Biography[]
Ratchet hates the lower-class population of Robot City. His goal is to recycle them for ingots. He has a mother named Madame Gasket, who is the true mastermind behind Ratchet's plot to take over Robot City. He flirts with Cappy and wants her to be his wife, but she is repulsed by him and his motives.
Ratchet wishes for the residents to buy upgrades, while keeping them in the dark that the upgrades are made of scrapped outmodes, working with his mother to make profit from them. He was able to persuade Bigweld to stand down, as he found a way to make more money for the industry.
When Bigweld returns to Bigweld Industries and fires Ratchet, Ratchet was told to get out. In desperation, Ratchet whacks Bigweld in the head with the intercom, knocking him out. Then he ordered his guards to send Bigweld to the Chop Shop to be turned into ingots for Summertime upgrades along with Rodney, Wonderbot, and Cappy, and to "put Ratchet's name on Bigweld's parking space". Then, during the battle, he activated the moving pails to dump Bigweld and sets his Super-Sweepers to destroy everything and then, his Sweepers are knocked down. When Madame Gasket was pushed into the furnace, Ratchet tries to escape on a cable bumping into the roof, only to lose all of his upgraded parts and leading him to be strapped to the ceiling with his father. His father tries to comfort him with Bigweld's inspirational motto, but Ratchet cuts him off. It is unknown what happened to him afterwards, as he was likely arrested for his crimes or about to call the outmodes out for being bullies to him, Gasket, and the Chop Shop workers.
Personality[]
Ratchet is a cruel, corrupt, ruthless, sadistic, merciless, blameworthy, and scandalous corporate social climber, who takes control of Bigweld Industries after Bigweld leaves and goes into hiding. He is extremely greedy, sarcastic, self-centered, narcissistic and materialistic, as he decides to discontinue making spare parts so that the older robots would be forced to either buy upgrades or become outmodes and get taken away to his mother's Chop Shop. He is also shown to be very dishonest and hypocritical as he likes to be lying. A few examples of this are where he was at the meeting with Bigweld Industries' board of directors where he lies to them about the business having "no money in it" and that Bigweld "no longer sits in the big chair." Ratchet also lies to Rodney about the latter's Wonderbot invention over how Wonderbot works. When Bigweld fires him, Ratchet fakes a heartfelt plea to Bigweld, only to assault the latter by hitting him with an intercom, which knocks him unconscious.
This was partly because of greed, and because he hates outmode robots. In order to move his plans forward, Ratchet intimidates most of his employees, into supporting him. Because of this, Ratchet is also viewed as an arrogant, egotistical, and traitorous bully by most of his underlings and the tumbledown robots. He also believes himself to be quite provocative and flirtatious, as he unsuccessfully tries to flirt with Cappy several times.
However, Ratchet is just a stooge compared to Madame Gasket. He carries out her plans and obediently bends to her will. It is revealed that when Ratchet causes Bigweld Industries to stop making spare parts, the robots who cannot afford to buy upgrades will be gathered up by Madame Gasket's Sweepers and taken to the Chop Shop, where they will be melted down and turned into ingots for upgrades. Ratchet is partially only performing Gasket's plan, but it does benefit him as well.
Despite his uncaring and treacherous nature, Ratchet is shown to have a softer side, as he is seen when he is around his mother, as they do genuinely seem to care about each other. However, Ratchet is embarrassed by her because of her grotesque appearance and was horrified to find he shared in his parental figure's insanity. He also has a good bond with his father who wished him luck in his evil plan.
Quotes[]
| “ | My goodness, what a remarkable legacy. Concern for the common robot. You don't come across old-fashioned values like that anymore, friends, and for good reason: THERE'S NO MONEY IN IT! Hello?! Memo to Bigweld: we're not a charity! That's why old Fatface no longer sits in the big chair. He's a relic! So I don't want to hear another, "Where's Bigweld?" (imitating baby whining) | „ |
| ~ Ratchet's first words, also lying to Bigweld Industries' board of directors. |
| “ | Now, let's get down to the business of sucking every loose penny out of Mr. and Mrs. Average Knucklehead. What's our big-ticket item? *"Eye of the Tiger" playing* Upgrades, people, upgrades. That's how we make the dough. Now, if we're telling robots that no matter what they're made of, they're "fine", how can we expect them to feel crummy enough about themselves to buy our upgrades and make themselves look better? Therefore, I've come up with a new slogan: "Why be you, when you can be new?" I got to tell ya, I think it's brilliant, but-but honestly, I'd like to hear what you employees think about this. *cheering* Bigweld Executive 2: Out of the ballpark, Ratchet. |
„ |
| ~ Ratchet unveiling the upgrades presentation to Bigweld Industries' board of directors, who approve Ratchet's product. |
| “ | Ratchet: Cappy, you, uh, you haven't said a word. Cappy: It gave me chills. Ratchet: Thank you, thank you. Cappy: But... Ratchet: "But"? Cappy: I'm just wondering, why would robots buy new upgrades if parts are so much cheaper? Ratchet: Oh, right. Well, that's easy, because, as of today, we are no longer making spare parts! |
„ |
| ~ Ratchet telling Cappy that Bigweld Industries will discontinue making spare parts. |
| “ | Do you know what I call robots who can't afford upgrades? SCRAP METAL! You see them on the streets, misshapen and rust-covered. They turn your insides out. You want to return home and scrub yourself. Now, Cappy, I want your department to push our new slogan. In fact, I'm moving you into the office right next to mine. We'll be working very, very closely together on this one. Won't that be fun? Cappy: Oodles. |
„ |
| ~ Ratchet explaining his hatred over the lower-class population, who also orders Cappy and her advertising department to unveil the new slogan, also moving her office next to Ratchet's, much to Cappy's disinterest. |
| “ | I have a better idea: why don't you let me show you what it can do? It can do THIS! | „ |
| ~ Ratchet lying to Rodney about his Wonderbot invention, as a means of kicking Rodney out. |
| “ | Ratchet: Hi, Mom. Gasket: Hi, sweetie. How's my boy? Ratchet: Great! I did just what you told me. No more spare parts. In a couple of weeks, all those broken-down losers out there are going to be nothing but scrap metal. You will be up to your bloomers in broken outmode junk! Gasket: Such a good boy. And after you finish off Bigweld, there will be nobody out there to fix them. Ratchet: Exactly! You, you want to swing that one by me again? Gasket: Idiot! Those outmodes look up to him, suppose he decides to come back. Ratchet: Aw, come on, Mom. He's not going to be any trouble where he is. Gasket: What are you afraid of?! Grow some bolts! Or do you want to end up like your father? Mr. Gasket: Hey, son, good to see you. Gasket: Think what it would mean. Not Bigweld Industries, Ratchet Industries. Ratchet: Keep talking. Gasket: Ratchet City! Ratchet: Yes, everything.... shiny. Gasket: No more Bigweld... *Ratchet laughing manically* Gasket: ...no more outmode! Ratchet: Let's do it! Gasket: That's my boy! Tom Waits: ♪ All the trucks unload, beyond the gopher holes... ♪ *both laughing* Gasket: Are you hungry? Can I get you something? You look thin. Ratchet: No, no, Mom. I gotta go. Bye. Oh, bye, Pop. Mr. Gasket: So long, son. Good luck with your dastardly plans. |
„ |
| ~ Madame Gasket and Ratchet about their plans. |
| “ | Ratchet: Oh, yeah. I have never felt so relaxed. Say, do you mind giving me a little scratch between the shoulder blades? Ah, there you g... Aah! Easy, tiger. Oh! Hey, take it easy! Hey, what are trying to do, kill... *screams* Gasket: Relax, it's me, your mommy. Ratchet: How did you get in here?! Gasket: I came up the air shaft. I know you don't like anybody here to see me. Ratchet: Well, what do you want? Gasket: Someone's fixing them! Ratchet: What? Gasket: Someone is repairing outmodes! And they are laughing at you! Ratchet: Who? And are you sure they're not laughing with me? Gasket: Yes. Ratchet: Oh! So what if one crazy fanatic repairs a few outmodes? Who cares? Gasket: Think. Use those brains I stole for you. Today, it's one. What about tomorrow when everyone gets the idea that this is okay? "We can fix ourselves. We don't need upgrades. We want Bigweld." Then what happens to you?! Ratchet: Okay, okay. Take it easy. We've got to find out who this is and stop him. Gasket: Not stop him, crush him! Destroy him! And by the way, I brought you a little something for your desk. |
„ |
| ~ Ratchet and Madame Gasket about their plans to kill Rodney. |
| “ | Ratchet: Thank you. We now come to the point of the evening where I have the tremendous honor of introducing our beloved founder Mr. Bigweld... who, unfortunately, is unable to attend. Rodney: What? Ratchet: He sends his apologies, his love, and a small box of assorted cookies. Rodney: NOT COMING?! Ratchet: And what are you doing here? Rodney: What have you done with Bigweld?! HOW COME WE DON'T SEE HIM ANYMORE, HUH?! Ratchet: Okay.... *turns on his headset* Security, we have a party crasher. |
„ |
| ~ Ratchet announcing Bigweld isn't coming to the ball, to Rodney's fury, who confronts him on outmoding. |
| “ | Take him for a drive, and bring me back his exact weight in paperclips! | „ |
| ~ Ratchet ordering the security guards to take Rodney out of the ball. |
| “ | Ratchet: Okay mother, this way. Gasket: Lemme look, please! *gasps* I can't bear it! Ratchet: No peeking now. It's a surprise. Gasket: Oh, you are a wicked boy! Ratchet: And... look! *A Super Sweeper appears* Gasket: Ah! For me? Ratchet: It's got a full tank of gas. If you're ready to mow, she's ready to go. Gasket: Has any mother ever had a better son! Ratchet: Oh, by the way I found out who's been fixing those outmodes. So starting tomorrow these babies are gonna chop him up along with his all broken down buddies and every other walking pile of junk I'm sick of looking at. *both laughing* |
„ |
| ~ Ratchet and Madame Gasket revealing an upgraded Super Sweeper for the first time, which would kill Rodney and the Rusties, as well as the lower-class population of Robot City. |
| “ | Mother, I'm an adult, Okay? So, stop telling me how to kill Bigweld. I'm doing it today, how I want, where I want, and with whatever I want! | „ |
| ~ Ratchet on the phone with his mother about killing Bigweld. |
| “ | Ratchet: No! No! Tell him I'm not here. Tell him anything, just don't let him in! Bigweld: RATCHET!!! Ratchet: *screams* Bigweld: I'll come right to the point! Ratchet: What happened?! Run out of dominos? I'll send you some more! Bigweld: YOU'RE FIRED! Ratchet: Fired?! On what grounds? This company has never been more profitable. Bigweld: Profits, schmofits! Now get out! Ratchet: NO! Wait, please! Listen to me! You can't do this to me! THIS JOB IS MY LIFE! It means everything to me! You don't know what I've done to get here! The lies I've told, the lives I've ruined! This isn't helping me. Bigweld: Get me security! Ratchet: WAIT! PLEASE! Can I make one more heartfelt plea? Bigweld: Okay, what do you wanna say? Ratchet: THAT! Bigweld: OH! Ratchet: Oh my gosh, I'm just as crazy as my mother! |
„ |
| ~ Ratchet meeting Bigweld, who fires him and orders him to leave, before Ratchet tricks him and knocks him unconscious with the intercom. |
| “ | Take Fatface to the Chop Shop, and put my name on his parking space. | „ |
| ~ Ratchet ordering the security guards to take Bigweld to the Chop Shop, and to put his name on Bigweld's parking spot. |
| “ | My upgrades! | „ |
| ~ Ratchet's defeat. |
| “ | Mr. Gasket: It's alright son. You can shine no matter what- Ratchet: Oh, just STOP! |
„ |
| ~ Mr. Gasket trying to comfort him with Bigweld's inspirational motto, before Ratchet cuts him off, and also his last words. |
Trivia[]
- It could be argued that Ratchet's hair, which holds similarities to a shark fin, could represent his status as a 'business shark'.
- Greg Kinnear, the voice actor of Phineas T. Ratchet, argued that the character is simply misunderstood. Such statement could be attributed to him indoctrinated by his mother Madame Gasket.
- Ratchet serves as the antithesis to Rodney Copperbottom. Rodney is a lower-middle class robot who tries to help outmodes, while Ratchet is a wealthy robot who actively tries to kill outmodes. Both are also mentored by an older robot; Rodney has his benevolent idol Bigweld while Ratchet has his ruthless mother Madame Gasket.
- Ratchet is also a foil to the following characters:
- Rodney Copperbottom: With both of them being characters who get a significant amount of focus and having an ambition to get a position in Bigweld Industries. The difference between them is that Rodney is a humble and altruistic Wide-Eyed Idealist who is a strong believer in Bigweld's motto "you can shine no matter what you're made of" and wants to bring Bigweld back out of hiding to start making things better for everyone again, while Ratchet is an arrogant and materialistic scumbag who refers to robots who can't afford upgrades as "scrap metal" and wants to destroy Bigweld and every outmode so that everyone can be shiny like him.
- Bigweld: Both of them are the heads of Bigweld Industries during different points in the movie, but their motivations are complete opposites. While Bigweld is an Honest Corporate Executive who wants to make the world a better and easier place for everyone to live in, Ratchet is a Corrupt Corporate Executive who places making money over the endangered lives of others and wants to wipe every outmode out by manufacturing upgrades, which old and rusty robots can't afford.
External Links[]
- Phineas T. Ratchet on the Robots Wiki