R.I.P.D. - Movie Review

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R.I.P.D. was completely harmless, goofy fun that didn’t take itself too seriously. You shouldn’t either and you’ll have a great time. It’s Ghostbusters meets Men in Black meets Lethal Weapon with a touch of Quantum Leap.

Nick Walker (Ryan Reynolds) is a current day Boston cop who dies and finds himself recruited by the Rest in Peace Department (the greatest officers who lived and died), charged with chasing down “Deados”–dead people who’ve escaped justice and are still on Earth. His partner is Roycifus Polciver, a bit of a rebel lawman from the 1800s. What Nick can’t do is go back to his old life and friends.

Representing the upper echelon of R.I.P.D. is Proctor (Mary-Louise Parker), who keeps discipline in the ranks with an iron hand (and a sarcastic smile). She drinks old-style Fresca–clearly a woman of discriminating taste.

The design of the R.I.P.D. headquarters was incredibly detailed–I’m waiting for this one to hit cable so I can watch it again and catch all the minutiae I missed the first time. You can always tell when someone enjoyed their work doing set or costume design, and that’s clear here.

Too, the idea of avatars was used to great effect: the members of R.I.P.D. no longer look like themselves, at least to living people their interacting with. IDs are something they requisition, just like office supplies. The avatars are shown just often enough to be entertaining, and they got great theme music. Actually, the background music was really fitting throughout–I kept thinking what I was hearing perfectly fit my mood.

 
 
 Back on Earth, Nick has left behind his wife Julia (Stephanie Szostak) and his partner Hayes (Kevin Bacon). Of course, he has unresolved issues with both of them that he tries to deal with, despite policy.

Why the deados all looked different wasn’t explained terribly well, but this wasn’t the world’s deepest movie. I was totally willing to go with it, because of the fun factor. Note: given the opportunity, this movie always goes for the cheap laugh.

Ryan Reynolds was, well, innocuous. He made the perfect foil for Jeff Bridges’ larger-than-life Rooster Cogburn-ish character. I think I might have gotten tired of the two of them trading barbs if the movie was any longer, but at 96 minutes I still wanted more. Which is a good thing.

Overall, tons of low-rent entertainment here and not a lot of intellectual exercise. Still, a lot of fun and a must for Jeff Bridges fans.

Reviewed By Elektra Hammond
 
 
 
 
 

Nick Walker thought Peace came after Death…
Wear HIS feelings, on YOUR sleeve

I’m immortal. I’m Bored
Let’s Party.

…and then,
things got complicated