R.I.P.D.

When cop Nick Walker (Reynolds) is killed in the line of duty, he finds that the afterlife is not quite what he expected. Because of his skills, he’s drafted into the R.I.P.D, the Rest in Peace Department, a group of deceased police whose job is to protect the living from the evil spirits refusing to move on. Finding himself partnered with veteran agent Roy Pulsipher (Bridges), it’s not long before the quickly feuding pair are thrust into danger – the malevolent spirits have launched a major assault on Earth, and Nick’s death may be tied to it. With time running out, the pair must crack the case, and fast, else they may be no more living to protect.

R.I.P.D. is director Robert Schwentke’s second foray into action films, following his surprisingly good 2010 hit RED. It appears that he’s put the experience to good use – R.I.P.D. is well-executed and above the general cut. It’s helped by some impressive visual design, which gives R.I.P.D. a unique feel to help it stand out amongst the usual summer fare.

What anchors the film though are the performances of its leads. Ryan Reynolds puts in a sterling performance as the confused yet wisecracking Nick, and Mary-Louise Parker turns the snark up to 11 as Proctor, one of the R.I.P.D chiefs. But it’s Jeff Bridges who steals the show as Roy, chewing up so much scenery I’m not sure there was any left at the end of production.

Overall, R.I.P.D. is a well-executed, good looking and ultimately funny film that should appeal to those who liked films like Men In Black in particular.

Tom Freeman