R.I.P.D. Review: Lazy Imitation, Forgettable Action

Introduction

Upon its initial trailer release, many viewers, including us, anticipated R.I.P.D. to be a spiritual successor, or at least a close cousin, to "Men in Black" with a dash of "Constantine." However, the reality quickly sets in: this film is less "Men in Black" meets "Constantine" and more "Men in Black" meets "Jonah Hex." The premise introduces us to the Rest in Peace Department, an afterlife police force tasked with rounding up souls who've evaded judgment and linger on Earth. Naturally, a newly deceased cop, played by Ryan Reynolds, is recruited and paired with a grizzled veteran, portrayed by Jeff Bridges. The comparison to "Men in Black" is unavoidable, not just for its similar setup, but because R.I.P.D. feels like a less polished, less inspired imitation.

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

One of the most glaring issues plaguing R.I.P.D. is the complete absence of chemistry between its two leads, Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges. While both are talented actors individually—Jeff Bridges a seasoned veteran, and Ryan Reynolds known for his comedic timing and charisma—their dynamic here is nonexistent. The script offers them little to work with, leaving their interactions feeling forced and flat. Adding to the struggle, Jeff Bridges's character often speaks in a muddled, almost incomprehensible drawl, making his dialogue a chore to follow.

The action sequences are further hampered by visuals that feel woefully outdated. The CGI monsters, which are central to the film's supernatural premise, look like they belong to a movie from 15 years prior, not a 2013 summer release. In an era post-"Avatar," the visual effects in R.I.P.D. are surprisingly unconvincing, resembling something closer to "Dexter's Diner" from "Attack of the Clones" than modern blockbuster standards. This lack of visual fidelity makes it difficult to invest in the fantastical world Robert Schwentke attempts to build.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

The narrative of R.I.P.D. is riddled with predictability. From the moment characters like Kevin Bacon appear, their roles and eventual betrayals are telegraphed well in advance, leaving no room for genuine surprise. The film's attempts at world-building also fall flat, particularly concerning the "secret" nature of the R.I.P.D. Despite being a clandestine organization, supernatural events unfold openly, with monsters rampaging through crowds and Jeff Bridges bouncing off buildings in plain sight. The movie tries to explain this away by claiming "this has never happened before," a flimsy excuse that strains credulity, especially when compared to "Men in Black"'s clever "flashy thing" to erase public memory. The stakes feel low because the rules of this supernatural world are inconsistently applied.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

Overall, R.I.P.D. comes across as a lazy and cheap production. It feels like a movie made because the concept was easy to replicate, rather than one born from genuine creative vision. The film seems content to coast on the familiar tropes of its predecessors without putting in the effort to innovate or even execute them competently. It's the kind of movie that feels like a studio knew it was subpar but released it anyway, perhaps hoping to capitalize on the summer movie season without delivering a quality product.

The Final Verdict

R.I.P.D. is a forgettable foray into the supernatural buddy-cop genre. Despite the individual talents of Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges, their on-screen pairing lacks any spark, undermined by a weak script and dated visual effects. The plot is transparent, the world-building inconsistent, and the overall execution feels uninspired. It's a film that will likely vanish from memory shortly after viewing, leaving little impact beyond a sense of missed potential.