R.I.P.D. (PG-13)
13/03/14 21:24 Filed in: 2013
Starring: Ryan Reynolds
July 2013
This review was originally tweeted in Real-time from the back row of a movie theater and appears @BackRoweReviews. Though efforts were made to tease rather than ruin this movie’s memorable lines and moments, some spoilers may exist in the following evaluation. The original tweets appear in black, while follow-up comments appear in red. For concerns over objectionable content, please first refer to one of the many parental movie guide websites. All ratings are based on a four star system. Happy reading!
Reynolds is double-crossed by his A-list partner.
Mary Louise Parker as St. Peter? She’s in two new releases this week...impressive.
Parker also appears in Red 2.
Indian food sure does bring out the monster in some people.
Reynolds’ old partner can traverse realities? Color me interested.
Eternal affairs...clever.
A singularity forming over a city...didn’t we see this in last summer’s The Avengers?
“She billygoated me.” Eww!
Final analysis: a unique concept that isn’t exploited to maximum effect.
In fact, the premise is dumbed down for maximum commercial appeal.
Thematically and conceptually similar to the Men in Black films.
Bridges steals the show as the Custer-esque, chaw-mouthed veteran who shows Reynolds the ropes. A truly unique role.
The way he sits sidesaddle in the patrol car is a nice character touch.
Rating: 2 1/2 out of 4 stars. A sequel is almost certainly assured.
I remember laughing out loud when seeing the trailer for this film, thinking “now here’s a clever conceit.” The germ of that conceit—the premise—is the only part of the film that works. As with most Hollywood productions today, it’s poor execution and cursory character development that render this movie a pale reflection of what it could’ve been in more skillful and creative hands. And, also like too many Hollywood films today, R.I.P.D. is far too vulgar and vapid for its own good. Though Universal Studios will work hard to find a way to resurrect this sad effort into a sequel, this DOA plot should be left six feet under. RIP R.I.P.D.