R.I.P.D. 2: A Messy Mix of Action and Comedy

The opening scene of R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is a chaotic mess: Sheriff Roy Pulsipher (Jeffrey Donovan) materializing in an outhouse, buffalo stampeding around him, and then being introduced to his partner, Jeanne d’Arc (Penelope Mitchell), as they appear on Earth as two black sisters. This tonal whiplash sets the stage for what is a frustratingly uneven film.

Directed by Paul Leyden from a screenplay he co-wrote with Andrew Klein, this direct-to-video sequel serves as a prequel to the 2013 R.I.P.D. film. The story follows Roy Pulsipher, who finds himself in the afterlife and joins the Rest In Peace Department (R.I.P.D.), a special police force tasked with saving humanity from the undead. The premise is inherently intriguing, blending fantasy, action, and comedy, but the execution falls short.

What works in R.I.P.D. 2 are the occasional moments of genuine humor and the chemistry between Donovan and Mitchell. Their dynamic as unlikely partners has its charm, particularly when Jeanne d’Arc overcomes her fear of fire to save the day. The action sequences, though sparse, are visually engaging, with notable scenes including the prison break and the final battle against Astaroth.

However, the film falters in several key areas. The pacing is erratic, with a narrative that struggles to find its footing. The plot meanders through various set pieces without a clear sense of direction or urgency. The world-building is superficial, failing to delve into the emotional core or philosophical depth hinted at in the dossier. The characters, particularly the supporting cast, are underdeveloped and often reduced to caricatures.

The film’s attempt to blend genres—fantasy, action, and comedy—results in a disjointed experience. The humor frequently undercuts the more serious moments, creating a tonal inconsistency that is hard to ignore. The dialogue is often clunky and exposition-heavy, which detracts from the overall enjoyment.

Jeffrey Donovan delivers a solid performance as Roy Pulsipher, bringing a grounded energy to the role. Penelope Mitchell’s portrayal of Jeanne d’Arc is also commendable, particularly in her character’s arc involving overcoming her fear of fire. However, the supporting cast struggles to make an impact, with characters like Mayor Julius Butterfield (Craige Els) and Slim (Jake Choi) feeling one-dimensional.

The originality of R.I.P.D. 2 is questionable, as it relies heavily on familiar tropes and lacks a fresh perspective. The film’s attempt to be a buddy cop movie set in the afterlife is an interesting concept, but it fails to explore this premise in any meaningful way. The genre fit is also problematic, as the film struggles to balance its various elements effectively.

The film’s direct-to-video release speaks volumes about its intended audience and production quality. It is clear that R.I.P.D. 2 was not given the same level of care or resources as a theatrical release. This lack of investment is evident in the film’s visual effects, which are often cheap-looking and unconvincing. The cinematography is functional but uninspired, failing to elevate the material beyond its modest origins.

Comparatively, R.I.P.D. 2 pales in comparison to other films in the fantasy-action-comedy genre. Films like Men in Black and Hot Fuzz manage to blend these elements seamlessly, creating a cohesive and entertaining experience. In contrast, R.I.P.D. 2 feels like a pale imitation, lacking the charm, wit, and visual flair of its predecessors.

The film’s themes are equally underdeveloped. While it touches on concepts such as redemption, sacrifice, and the afterlife, it fails to explore these ideas in any meaningful way. The emotional core of the story is weak, with character motivations often feeling shallow or contrived. This lack of depth makes it difficult to invest in the characters or their journey.

In terms of direction, Paul Leyden’s work on R.I.P.D. 2 is unremarkable. He fails to bring a distinct vision to the material, resulting in a film that feels generic and forgettable. The pacing issues and tonal inconsistencies suggest a lack of control over the narrative, further underscoring the film’s structural flaws.

Despite its shortcomings, R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned has moments of entertainment value. The chemistry between Jeffrey Donovan and Penelope Mitchell is genuine, and their performances provide a glimmer of hope amidst the film’s many flaws. However, these positive aspects are not enough to save the film from its own shortcomings.

In conclusion, R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is a missed opportunity. While it has moments of entertainment and a few standout performances, the film’s structural flaws, erratic pacing, and lack of depth make it a forgettable experience.