R.I.P.D. 2 – RISE OF THE DAMNED

R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is a 2022 supernatural action-comedy film directed by Paul Leyden. Serving as both a prequel and a standalone sequel to the 2013 movie R.I.P.D., the film shifts its setting to the Old West, delivering a mix of gunslinger action, supernatural battles, and quirky humor. While it retains the premise of the “Rest in Peace Department,” it introduces a new cast of characters and a different era, giving the franchise a fresh spin.

Set in the late 19th century, the story follows Sheriff Roy Pulsipher (Jeffrey Donovan), a rugged lawman who is killed during a shootout and unexpectedly recruited into the R.I.P.D., a supernatural police force tasked with hunting down escaped souls—known as Deados—that threaten the balance between the living and the dead. Unlike the modern setting of the original film, Rise of the Damned leans into the dusty landscapes and gritty atmosphere of the Wild West, blending classic western tropes with fantasy-horror elements.

Roy’s mission takes him to the frontier town of Red Creek, where strange supernatural occurrences hint at a greater evil at work. Partnered with Jeanne (Penelope Mitchell), a fearless and witty French swordswoman, Roy discovers that an ancient portal to Hell is about to be opened, threatening to unleash demonic forces upon the world. Together, they must track down the Deados responsible and prevent the apocalypse—armed with both six-shooters and supernatural weaponry.

Jeffrey Donovan brings a dry wit and rugged charm to the role of Roy, portraying him as a reluctant hero who learns to adapt to his new afterlife duties. Penelope Mitchell’s Jeanne is equally engaging, providing both sharp banter and impressive combat skills, balancing the film’s mix of humor and action. Jake Choi appears as Slim, a quirky inventor aiding the duo with improvised gadgets, while Richard Brake brings menace to the role of Otis Clairborne, the film’s primary villain.

Visually, the movie embraces a vibrant, almost comic-book aesthetic, with exaggerated action sequences and elaborate CGI effects for the Deados. The supernatural designs mix eerie grotesqueness with tongue-in-cheek flair, staying true to the franchise’s playful tone. The Old West setting allows for inventive set pieces—showdowns in saloons, horseback chases through desert canyons, and supernatural battles in abandoned mines.

While R.I.P.D. 2 doesn’t shy away from campiness, it also carries an undercurrent of sincerity in its themes of redemption and second chances. Roy’s journey mirrors the classic western trope of the lone gunslinger seeking justice, but filtered through the lens of an afterlife cop story.

Upon release, the film was distributed directly to streaming and home media, receiving mixed reviews from audiences and critics. Some praised its lighthearted tone, fast pacing, and imaginative setting, while others noted its modest budget and reliance on genre clichés. Despite the criticisms, it found a niche audience among fans of supernatural action comedies and western mash-ups.

Ultimately, R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned offers a breezy, fun ride for viewers seeking a blend of ghost-hunting hijinks, gunslinger heroics, and irreverent humor—proving that even in the afterlife, justice still rides tall in the saddle.