“R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned” marks the return of the spectral police force, known as the Rest In Peace Department (R.I.P.D.), in a sequel that blends action, comedy, and fantasy elements. This follow-up to the 2013 film takes viewers back to the supernatural Wild West, promising an exciting blend of cowboys and spectral chaos.
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Table of Contents
Plot
Set in the Wild West, the movie revolves around Sheriff Roy Pulsipher (Jeffrey Donovan) who, after his death, becomes the newest officer of the R.I.P.D. Charged with enforcing the afterlife’s laws, Roy finds himself in a bizarre world, far stranger than the Wild West he knew while alive. His mission is to prevent a dangerous demon from opening a portal to the underworld, a task he undertakes with his partner Jeanne (Penelope Mitchell), a mysterious swordswoman. The plot weaves together elements of action and comedy as Roy confronts both cowboys and supernatural beings in his quest to save both the living and the dead.
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Cast
The cast of “R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned” is a diverse group of actors, each bringing their unique talents to the film:
- Jeffrey Donovan as Sheriff Roy Pulsipher: The protagonist, a sheriff who joins the R.I.P.D. after his death.
- Penelope Mitchell as Jeanne: Roy’s mysterious sword-wielding partner in the R.I.P.D.
- Richard Fleeshman as Angus: Another character whose role adds depth to the story.
- Tilly Keeper as Charlotte Pulsipher: Likely a relative of Roy, adding a personal dimension to the plot.
- Jake Choi as Slim: A character contributing to the film’s dynamics.
- Kerry Knuppe as Hano: Adds to the ensemble of characters in the spectral squad.
- Craige Els as Julius Butterfield: Another member of the cast, enriching the storyline.
- Stephanie Levi-John as Beverley: Her role contributes to the film’s narrative.
- Nick Wittman as Zeke Samuels: Rounds out the cast, adding to the diverse array of characters.
Each actor plays a significant role in bringing the story of “R.I.P.D. 2” to life, creating a vivid and engaging supernatural world set in the Wild West
Production
The film was directed by Paul Leyden, who also contributed as a screenwriter alongside Andrew Klein. The production team included Ogden Gavanski as the producer, with Peter M. Lenkov and Mike Richardson serving as executive producers. The cinematography was led by Bruno Degrave, with Kevin Armstrong handling film editing and J. Peter Robinson providing the original music. The production design was managed by Zsuzsanna Borvendég.
Release
“R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned” was released on November 15th, 2022, on digital platforms, DVDs, and Blu-rays in the United States. It was available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and Netflix.
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Reception
The sequel received mixed reviews. Critics pointed out issues with the film’s lore, noting that the backstory of Roy was altered needlessly and the film struggled to justify its existence. Some reviews indicated that the storyline became overly complicated in the second act, while others simply advised leaving this “corpse buried,” implying a lack of enthusiasm for the sequel. Overall, the reception highlighted a range of critical opinions, with some finding the sequel less appealing than its predecessor.
Final Thoughts
“R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned” represents an ambitious attempt to revisit and expand the universe of its predecessor. While the film brings new characters and an intriguing Wild West setting, it received a polarized response from critics and audiences alike. Whether it becomes a cult classic or fades into obscurity, “R.I.P.D. 2” stands as a testament to the challenges and surprises of creating a sequel in the complex world of supernatural action comedies.
