R.I.P.D.2: RISE OF THE DAMNED

US, 2023, 95 minutes, Colour.

Jeffrey Donovan, Rachel Adedeji, Penelope Mitchell, Evlyne Oyedokun, Jake Choi, Richard Brake.

Directed by Paul Leyden.

It would sound absurd to say that a film with this title has as one of its main characters Joan of Arc! But this is true. And, probably, indicates quickly the type of film that it is. In 2013 there was R. I..P. D. starring Jeff Bridges, based on a graphic novel. As is this film. However, it is a story of origins.

Many audiences, after the initial opening, 1876, scenes in Utah and Wyoming, where a prospector digging the earth opens up a gate of hell (open every 25 years) and becomes possessed by evil spirits which rise will be expecting a horror film. Those possessed have the undignified name of Deados. The main character possessed becomes ambitious, anxious to release as many spirits as possible so that the apocalypse will come and he can take over ruling the earth.

This is the serious side of the film, the horror genre, themes of gate of hell, the living dead, Apocalypse…

However, the dialogue is often very corny, may be offputting to the horror fans. However, this is the tone right throughout the film even as it becomes more and more absurd and apocalyptic.

Jeffrey Donovan is the sheriff of the town, protective of his daughter who returns from the city and is about to get married, not approving of her fiance. Meanwhile, there are gangs of gunfighters and miners leading to shootouts – including the death of the sheriff. He then arrives at Heaven’s Gate, a long conversation with the custodian who tells him that he has to go back to earth in order to achieve justice. He is given a partner who does eventually turn out to be Joan of Arc with her sword. However, they will not be recognised as themselves but rather will have African-American female avatars. More and more absurdity – but it may draw in audiences more and more who accept this kind of comedy.

The rest of the film, of course, consists of confrontations, the sheriff not allowed to reveal his identity, encountering the daughter’s fiance and accepting him, getting mixed up with one of the gang who wants to be redeemed and helps out, the opening of the gate of hell further, more and more Deados rising, a small file with the tear of Christ, carried by Joan, sprinkled, able to close the gate of hell!

There are some interesting visuals, especially towards the end with the visualising of the Deados and the diabolical presences. The kind of film that would be enjoyed as part of a cinema Monsterfest.