by Jo Johnstone
We have the Men In Black to protect us from aliens, the Winchester brothers to protect us from demons. Now we have the R.I.P.D to protect us from evil wayward spirts.
The Rest In Peace Department, to give them their proper title, are an elite force of officers that proctect the living from the evil dead still walking amongst us. Like the eternal war between Were-wolfs and Vampires this is a war that humans know nothing about, until now that is.
We have the Men In Black to protect us from aliens, the Winchester brothers to protect us from demons. Now we have the R.I.P.D to protect us from evil wayward spirts.
The Rest In Peace Department, to give them their proper title, are an elite force of officers that proctect the living from the evil dead still walking amongst us. Like the eternal war between Were-wolfs and Vampires this is a war that humans know nothing about, until now that is.
Ryan Reynold plays Nick, a straight playing cop who finds gold land in his lap. Along with his partner Hayes (Kevin Bacon,) they bury the gold, each agreeing a share. However, during a raid Nick is shot by Hayed and killed. Instead of facing judgement, Nick is offered a chance to redeem the theft by helping collect runaway souls and evil spirits. Nick agrees and is paired with old west officer Roy, Jeff Bridges. While Nick tries in vain to communicate with his living wife the pair uncover a scheme to open the portal between the living and dead, which must be stopped. Also starring Mary Louise Parker, this is a highly energetic supernatural movie.
Directed by Robert Schwentke of RED fame, the film boasts a similar feel to his previous work. The directors style is almost to offer a summer holiday to veteran actors. He takes class A actors and puts them in high-concept films that, although don’t compare to their usual award worthy work still uses their charisma to light up the screen. Here, its Bridges that gets the fun loving treatment.
Based on the graphic novel of the same name, this takes only the title and the basic story line from the comic. Having never heard of the graphic novel, before this I can’t judge the film against it. By the film makers own admission, its not a faithful rendition but the films fun and boosts some great humour.
Directed by Robert Schwentke of RED fame, the film boasts a similar feel to his previous work. The directors style is almost to offer a summer holiday to veteran actors. He takes class A actors and puts them in high-concept films that, although don’t compare to their usual award worthy work still uses their charisma to light up the screen. Here, its Bridges that gets the fun loving treatment.
Based on the graphic novel of the same name, this takes only the title and the basic story line from the comic. Having never heard of the graphic novel, before this I can’t judge the film against it. By the film makers own admission, its not a faithful rendition but the films fun and boosts some great humour.
Bridges and Reynolds have good chemistry as the mismatched afterlife buddy cops thrown together. The plot may sound conveluted and silly and quite frankly, it is. This isn’t a film that masquerades as being serious; it runs with how ridiculous it is and for that I applaude it. Its packs into its sheer silliness some gags, great action and a few CGI undead monsters. This is simple the good cop bad cop with an afterlife spin to it. If you sit down to this and expect a solid film you’ll be sorely disappointed but if you want an entertaining movie then press play.
Jeff Bridges takes some well earned time out from Oscar nominated roles to play Roy; an almost mock verson of his western True Grit character. Roy served as a sheriff in the old west and now, thanks to a few extensions on his original term, is a veteran of the R.I.P.D. Bridges is on top form and quite frankly the film wouldn’t work with out him. His quick wit, charisma and enjoyment in playing his character jump off the screen.
Jeff Bridges takes some well earned time out from Oscar nominated roles to play Roy; an almost mock verson of his western True Grit character. Roy served as a sheriff in the old west and now, thanks to a few extensions on his original term, is a veteran of the R.I.P.D. Bridges is on top form and quite frankly the film wouldn’t work with out him. His quick wit, charisma and enjoyment in playing his character jump off the screen.
Kevin Bacon takes time away from advertising UK phone companies to play the baddie in this flick. This is no new territory for Bacon as lets face it, he's usually Evil (or dancing). But still, he is a menacing baddie that we love to hate.
Ryan Reynolds plays off Bridges well and looks gorgeous which is why you want when you hire him. One criticism that has to be noted is the truly unnecessary addition of Nick’s wife. Once dead he tries to connect with her in his new undercover form, an old Chinese man. Why do action films feel this need to add a sentimental note of mush to such a thrill ride? It slows down the pace of the film but luckily, not too much.
Overall fun, thrilling and entertaining. R.I.P.D is a flick to watch when you just need something light. Has to be seen for Bridges awesome take on old western ‘living’ today and so you feel safe in the knowledge that undead officers have our back. But for those of you out there who are disappointed to have your favourite graphic novel turned into a high concept action flick my thoughts are with you.
As someone who sat through The Lovely Bones after reading the book, I know how it feels to have work you love tarnished.
Ryan Reynolds plays off Bridges well and looks gorgeous which is why you want when you hire him. One criticism that has to be noted is the truly unnecessary addition of Nick’s wife. Once dead he tries to connect with her in his new undercover form, an old Chinese man. Why do action films feel this need to add a sentimental note of mush to such a thrill ride? It slows down the pace of the film but luckily, not too much.
Overall fun, thrilling and entertaining. R.I.P.D is a flick to watch when you just need something light. Has to be seen for Bridges awesome take on old western ‘living’ today and so you feel safe in the knowledge that undead officers have our back. But for those of you out there who are disappointed to have your favourite graphic novel turned into a high concept action flick my thoughts are with you.
As someone who sat through The Lovely Bones after reading the book, I know how it feels to have work you love tarnished.
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