R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned

The screenplay is credited to Andrew Klein and Paul Leyden, with the story based on the Dark Horse comic book series “R.I.P.D.” created by Peter M.

Lenkov (credited as Peter Lenkov).

The ensemble cast includes Jeffrey Donovan as Roy Pulsipher, Rachel Adedeji as Avatar Roy, Penelope Mitchell as Jeanne, Evlyne Oyedokun as Avatar Jeanne, Jake Choi as Slim Samuels, Richard Brake as Otis Clairborne, Craige Els as Mayor Julius Butterfield (credited as Craige Corrie Els), Stephanie Levi-John as Beverly, Tilly Keeper as Charlotte Pulsipher, Richard Fleeshman as Angus, Nick Wittman as Zeke Samuels, Kevin Harvey as Henry, Nóra Trokán as Nell, Matt Silverman as Cooper Crony, Kerry Knuppe as Hano, Johnny K.

Palmer as Willie, Péter Fancsikai as Bank Manager, Szonja Oroszlán as Corseted Blonde, Petra Veres-Kovács as Female Bank Customer, Gergo Borbas as Ticket Seller (credited as Gergö Borbás), Robert Jackson as Federal Marshall 1, Máté Bede-Fazekas as Federal Marshall 2, Gábor Perei as Federal Marshall 3, and Vanessa Vajda as Charlotte’s Maid of Honor.

Additionally, the film features Zoltán Benkovics as Dickie Samuels (uncredited), Liz Borden as Lil (uncredited), and István Koleszár as Hicks Crony (uncredited).

Behind the scenes, the film was produced by Ogden Gavanski, with Jonathan Halperyn and Daniel Kresmery serving as co-producers. Peter M.

Lenkov (credited as Peter Lenkov), Mike Richardson, Anne-Marie Roberge, and Melinda Szepesi are credited as executive producers. The music for the film is composed by J.

Peter Robinson, while Bruno Degrave handles cinematography and Kevin Armstrong takes charge of editing. Casting is managed by Katalin Baranyi, Sophie Holland, Ben Pollack, Faye Timby, and Seth Yanklewitz.

Zsuzsanna Borvendég is responsible for the film’s production design, with Norbert Nagy serving as the standby art director. The art department also includes Gergely Tóth as the assistant set decorator.

Costume design is managed by Ildikó Andó and Diana Marton. The makeup department is led by Anna Gerõ, with key contributions from Annamária Dunai, Éva Frank, Dániel Hámori, Maja Mocsári, Júlia Petroczki, Zsófia Vajda, and Eniko Viglas.

Production management is overseen by George Engel, Guy Langlois, Bence Nasztor, and Gary Oldroyd. The second unit director or assistant directors include Márton Bak, Kristóf Lázár, Gergö Marton, Ferenc Tóth, and Gabriel Williams.

Other notable departments and crew members include Gábor Fazekas as the property master, Stéphane Bergeron and Christian Rivest handling sound, Dániel Czigler and Gergö Lengyel managing special effects, and a vast team of visual effects artists from Cinemotion VFX Bulgaria.

Stunts are coordinated by Levente Lezsák, with Roland Lazok and Narantsogt Tsogtsaikhan among the stunt performers. The camera and electrical department includes Csaba Aknay, András Khin, and László Horváth.

Ivan Pavlov supervises the animation department.

Various other departments like casting, costume and wardrobe, editorial, location management, music, script continuity, transportation, and additional crew members contribute to bringing the film to life, making “R.I.P.D.

2: Rise of the Damned” a collaborative effort of many talented individuals.

Sheriff Roy Pulsipher, portrayed this time by Jeffrey Donovan, finds himself caught in the crosshairs of an outlaw gang during a routine day at the Red Creek train station.

His untimely demise marks the beginning of a new chapter in his existence, as he’s recruited into the ranks of the R.I.P.D. (Rest In Peace Department) and granted a second chance at making things right on Earth.

Accompanied by his sword-wielding partner Jeanne, played by Penelope Mitchell, Sheriff Pulsipher embarks on a mission that transcends mere vengeance.

The quaint mining town of Red Creek becomes ground zero for a cataclysmic event when a reckless miner accidentally unearths a gateway to hell itself.

Now, Sheriff Pulsipher must confront not only the specters of his past but also the looming threat that endangers all of humanity. In a departure from the typical action-comedy fare, ‘R.I.P.D.

2: Rise of the Damned’ ventures into darker territory with its portrayal of supernatural entities and infernal forces.

The narrative unfolds as a blend of Western tropes and supernatural thriller elements, weaving together themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil.

Despite its modest budget and straight-to-video origins, the film attempts to capture the essence of its predecessor while carving out its own niche within the genre.

However, the execution falls short of expectations, with lackluster special effects and uninspired action sequences failing to leave a lasting impression.

Nevertheless, standout performances from actors like Jeffrey Donovan and Richard Brake inject moments of intensity and gravitas into the proceedings.

Brake’s portrayal of the possessed outlaw leader adds a layer of menace to the film, elevating it above its shortcomings in other areas. Ultimately, ‘R.I.P.D.

2: Rise of the Damned’ may not reach the heights of its predecessor or other entries in the genre, but it offers a diverting if flawed journey into the supernatural realm of the Wild West.

As Sheriff Pulsipher and his allies confront the forces of darkness, they embody the resilience and courage of those who refuse to surrender to despair, even in the face of insurmountable odds.