R.I.P.D. (2013)
96 min · Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Universal's $130 million Men in Black clone was trashed for being derivative and charmless, earning less than $34 million worldwide.
The Bottom Reel's take
In the grand cinematic tapestry, some films are clearly swinging for the fences, aiming for blockbuster glory, genre-defining status, or at least a respectable outing at the multiplex. Then there’s `R.I.P.D.`, a film that arrived in 2013 with all the swagger of a $130 million production and all the quiet grace of a wet firecracker. This action-comedy-fantasy promised a wild ride through the afterlife's police force, but what it delivered was something far more... unique. It’s the kind of ambition that, when met with decidedly un-ambitious execution, blossoms into a special kind of cinematic magic – the kind we adore.
Clocking in at a brisk 96 minutes, `R.I.P.D.` feels like a movie pulled from a parallel universe where *Men in Black* was less about stylish aliens and more about… well, exactly what *R.I.P.D.* is. The "infamous" tag tells a tale of a Universal Studios attempting to replicate a proven formula, only to stumble into something widely panned as "derivative and charmless." With a critic score of 13/100 and an audience score barely scraping 32/100, this isn't a film that just missed the mark; it launched itself into a whole new orbit of peculiar entertainment. It’s a B-movie budget concept dressed in an A-list suit that just doesn’t quite fit, leaving us with a delightful awkwardness at every turn.
But here’s the thing about films like `R.I.P.D.`: their very inability to hit conventional targets is what makes them unforgettably fun. While it may have been "trashed" upon release, time has a way of buffing out the rough edges of critical disdain and highlighting the shimmering absurdity beneath. It’s the kind of film where the gaps in logic, the sometimes-wonky special effects, and the sheer earnestness of its attempt to entertain become part of its undeniable charm. This isn't a film to be taken seriously; it's a testament to the idea that sometimes, the best intentions pave the road to cinematic quirkiness, and we are absolutely here for that road trip.
So, for those seeking a Friday night cinematic adventure that embraces its own peculiar identity, `R.I.P.D.` delivers. We recommend gathering your most appreciative friends, stocking up on your favorite snacks (perhaps something with a questionable shelf life, to match the film's vibe), and settling in for a riotous, commentary-filled viewing. It’s a prime example of a film that failed upwards, straight into the loving arms of those who appreciate movies that are famously bad and unforgettably fun.
Synopsis
A murdered cop joins a supernatural police force of deceased officers tasked with capturing dead souls hiding among the living.