Why R.I.P.D. Bombed! How NOT to Make a Comic Book Movie

Why R.I.P.D. Bombed! How NOT to Make a Comic Book Movie

Dark Horse adaptation R.I.P.D. was a movie that should have been all about fun, but was more of a flop with a few laughs that are mostly forgettable. Read on for my thoughts on why I feel it failed both critically and commercially.

Review Opinion
By efcamachopmp - Aug 22, 2013 11:08 AM EST
Filed Under: R.I.P.D.
Source: BoxOfficeMojo.com



At the time of writing this piece we are exactly one month post R.I.P.D's US release and subsequent bombing at the box office. The film had a budget of roughly $130 million and it has yet to gross over $33 Million here in the states (less then $60 Million globally, though it hasn't yet, as of writing this article, opened in the UK).

When I use the term "bombed" I am not just referring to the film's financial success, I also refer to its success as a piece of cinema in general. I take that stance after watching the film twice. Once, to generally enjoy the film for what it is. A 2nd, to break it down as a study piece in film making. I mostly work on independent projects, and for the most part, I work with production companies hired to make pilots for other networks. Yet, I look at every film as a learning piece of, "how to's" and "not to's", in filmmaking and storytelling.

I accept it's exceedingly difficult to breakdown a film and not see a variety of outside themes and inspirations. However, there is a direct set of guidelines some filmmakers are using, unfortunately, these days they somehow believe those guidelines give them a great moneymaker. This movie is almost literally a haphazardly-brainfarted and misstep-caused-falling-down-of-the-stairs compiling of; Constantine, MIB, Lethal Weapon, and every typical aspect of Ryan Reynolds Van Wilder character persona (as are most of his films) rolled into one (seemingly) coherent comic book movie. Using visual styles and action scenes typical of the Van Hellsing flick (that didn't work in that movie), trying to pass it off as an epic showing, seemingly as an attempt to recreate the feelings of "awe" audiences felt at the end of the Ghostbuter's film in the theaters.



On the generic surface, Constantine & MIB, happily marry into the premise of this film. A Dead guy comes back to life, dealing with evil hiding in human form, hunting said evil, some of whom are allowed to remain (like informants). Using a secret society that operates in the real world under various guises, using interestingly strange weapons technology, following orders from one authority. Of course, in this situation we have a variation of the "Agent J" from MIB in Roy's persona...just not the same authority is commanded by the character, which gives us no anchor to lean on in the story. I can almost throw in some concepts from The Adjustment Bureau that were likely minor inspirations throughout, in terms of how orders are carried out.

When you factor in the abhorrence the two main characters have for each other while working together, to flip this concept on its ear randomly and both men arrive on even ground, then mutual admiration, after having such a heavily unwanted partnership; is the very definition of the "Buddy Cop" film theme. This theme, made extremely popular by films like Lethal Weapon, and 48 Hours, is abused in this film. Roy's character takes on a very specific trait from 48 hours, as he is constantly abused by Nick, in similar fashion to Eddie Murphy with Nick Nolte.

Ryan Reynolds, in my mind, is a very capable actor in certain situations, and themes. However, he has pretty much become like the one dimensional actors we see in a variety of films, (like) Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, and Adam Sandler...What's interesting to me - I still like all of these actors, despite that fact, but I do accept that we are getting a lot of the "same" from all of them.



The basic story from the comic is here, if you haven't seen R.I.P.D. the movie, check it out for yourself. Actually, read this comic first - you can pick up the issues digitally from Dark Horse Comics. If nothing else, we (movie-goers) get a great representation of Roy by Jeff Bridges...Who was great in the role, however, I think he simply kept the look he was already using for the film Seventh Son. This might have just been dumb luck in terms of both films being worked on in tandem... Right down to the (slightly) odd accent and vocal profile he used to bring the character in Seventh Son to life.

I'm not sure if Ryan Reynolds was the best choice for Nick. I might be crazy, but perhaps Johnny Depp would have fit the character better (sans his Jack Sparrow mannerisms), possibly even Colin Farrell. While Bridges is probably the best part of this film, and fit his character perfectly, I wonder if Josh Brolin, or Bryan Cranston could have brought the character to life in a way that would have attracted a heavier audience. I would have also taken the creative license to make this film much darker, dirtier, more vicious, and stretched the limit of the PG-13 rating... Not kept it a full buddy-cop comedy with comic book blood in its DNA. At the very least, i'd give it more of a dark-comedy edge.



This felt like a PG movie for 12 year-old children. With a budget of $130 Million I think the special effects were lackluster, and unpolished. Kevin Bacon, was a bit underwhelming in the film (for me), and clearly this is a paycheck for him. There is nothing wrong with that, and I think he did well with what he had, (in the end) his character was just not that exciting. I'd rather have watched Jason Lee's Azrael from Dogma as the antagonist in this film. Which makes me wonder... what if Kevin Smith would have penned this film? I think perhaps his focus would have been on the villains. I think he would have made them darker, with a nastier sense of humor, playing off Bacon's bad boy side.

To all of you reading, I can sometimes define an amazing film simply by how amazing the antagonist is played. A strange and awkwardly fitting example to attest this fact is, Masters of the Universe (1987)... Which SUCKED! I'm sorry if I just pissed in your cornflakes, kicked your puppy, or raped your childhood - do you know why it doesn't matter, If I just hurt your feelings? Because I too watch Masters of the Universe, uncontrollably, if it's on cable (So don't fret)...Regardless, Frank Langella was AMAZING. Why did I use that example, who knows, it is what my mind wandered to when pondering that comment. Without Langella, Masters of the Universe would've (likely) have been unwatchable, and that can be said about a lot of films...

The bulk of the cast in R.I.P.D. did their part, and this isn't a film with oscar expectations, but overall it was just plain. Mary Louise Parker was also a bit odd, to be honest, but she is cute in a random and ageless sort of way. If you are not at all familiar with the comic but have young teens you want to take to watch something relatively cheesy. This is an ok entry into the fray, especially if these pre/young teens understand good vs evil, the general facts of life, death, good cop, bad cop...Sure, why not? This can't damage them anymore, in comparison to staying home, killing and stealing money from hookers while GTA anyway. There were parents in the 90's who were fans of Batman that took their unwitting children to the horror that was Batman and Robin, and they turned out fine, your kids may like this film much more than you will anyway.

In the end this movie isn't really that bad. It's just not on par with the spectacle we are seeing in comic book films - Even the Ghost rider films were epic, regardless how awful they were. So give it a look and see for yourself, Otherwise, just wait for it to (undoubtedly) hit Netflix.
R.I.P.D. 2: RISE OF THE DAMNED - Universal Releases First Trailer & Poster For Long-Awaited Sequel
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R.I.P.D. 2: RISE OF THE DAMNED - Universal Releases First Trailer & Poster For Long-Awaited Sequel

R.I.P.D. Sequel Is Officially On The Way...Minus Stars Ryan Reynolds And Jeff Bridges, Of Course
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R.I.P.D. Sequel Is Officially On The Way...Minus Stars Ryan Reynolds And Jeff Bridges, Of Course

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MrCBM56
MrCBM56 - 8/21/2013, 4:32 PM
I disagree. The movie was good, underrated IMO.
efcamachopmp
efcamachopmp - 8/21/2013, 10:39 PM
There in lies the duality of my reviews. I tend to like the films that are not always very good, because I accept them for what they are. Simple entertainment. But i'm honest with the fact that the movie failed on a lot of fronts.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, what parts did you specifically like?
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 8/22/2013, 2:38 AM
Coz of RYAN REYNOLDS!!!!

Joke.

Movie was great!

Some movie folk don't see a good movie until its slapped in their face!

Mrsinister
Mrsinister - 8/22/2013, 12:11 PM
I disagree too. You're taking it way too seriosuly. This movie was a lot of fun!
subzero1077
subzero1077 - 8/22/2013, 12:30 PM
@Galaxy
Just ignore him, maybe he'll eventually go away.
SotNatt
SotNatt - 8/22/2013, 12:34 PM
@DoubleDion

Actually, I think Blade 3 suffered from Wesley Snipesitis the most.

It's just an unfortunate coincidence that Ryan Reynolds happens to have a curse over his head whenever he ventures into CBMs...
Highflyer
Highflyer - 8/22/2013, 12:36 PM
After watching 'Buried' or 'safe house' I think Ryan is a good actor. He just has rotten luck when it comes to CBM's. He should be deadpool and nothing else.
Highflyer
Highflyer - 8/22/2013, 12:38 PM
@DoubleDion, Ryan wasn't the reason those movies were bad. He was in origins for like two minutes! How can u blame him for that?
ComicBookMovie
ComicBookMovie - 8/22/2013, 12:42 PM
Galaxy,
A "system gamer" is one who games the system. Basically trying to get around the way the site works to gain advantage.

Nothing to do with console gaming. ;)
ComicBookMovie
ComicBookMovie - 8/22/2013, 12:48 PM
IneedRevelation...
Get over your MOS hatred and stop mentioning it in so many articles or I will decide that you are indeed trolling and boot you off the site.

Galaxy & Subzero...
Stop being so sensitive, and don't use the troll reporting system to report on people expressing their opinions. All you are doing is egging people like IneedRevelation on and making them worse. The best way to stop a troll is to ignore them. Eventually they move on.
JoeMomma29
JoeMomma29 - 8/22/2013, 12:50 PM
Great to see Big G chime in.
CBFan
CBFan - 8/22/2013, 12:50 PM
I just watched Masters of the Universe this past weekend! LOL!! Frank Langella was a beast in that movie! :)
JoeMomma29
JoeMomma29 - 8/22/2013, 12:56 PM
Aww gusto stop wearing short shorts when you come through the drive up window at Galaxy's job!
Greengo
Greengo - 8/22/2013, 12:57 PM
FINALLY.

It's obvious he's intentionally trolling. I thought that was what the reporting system was for: to bring to Big G's attention the people who are constantly misbehaving.
marantaz
marantaz - 8/22/2013, 12:57 PM
You need a sign off line..."Galactus has spoken." or something like that. If you're gonna walk the god-like walk, you gotta talk the god-like talk. Keeps the little minds trembling.
Greengo
Greengo - 8/22/2013, 12:59 PM
"If you find yourself here a lot you are at serious risk of being disabled. "

He's been warned.

Somebody take a screen cap for posterity.
Greengo
Greengo - 8/22/2013, 1:02 PM
Heaven forbid we report trolls for trolling and that makes them troll more.

It's apparently not the trolls fault but the people who are victims of his incessant trolling.

Wuuuutt
Greengo
Greengo - 8/22/2013, 1:04 PM
JUSTICE FOR INEED!!!!

He's being unfairly targeted because of his avatar!!!
marantaz
marantaz - 8/22/2013, 1:07 PM
Galactus is justice in this world.
devil
devil - 8/22/2013, 1:10 PM
man in black ripoff
PanochaLibre
PanochaLibre - 8/22/2013, 1:12 PM
#Fvck @Ineed #MOS was my most anticipated movie of all time, was hoping a 10 but got a solid 8.
DudeGuy
DudeGuy - 8/22/2013, 1:18 PM
It looked terrible that's why it bombed lol.
BigMikeReviews
BigMikeReviews - 8/22/2013, 1:20 PM
Isn't taking an entire page hostage to bring uneeded and unwanted attention to yourself (having no relevance with the topic) a form of trolling? @Ineedrevelation
gambgel
gambgel - 8/22/2013, 1:25 PM
why Ryan Reynolds keep chosing proyects like this?

he should do a few more indie films that could help his name. These comic movies arent doing it
marantaz
marantaz - 8/22/2013, 1:27 PM
Let it go, gusto.
ABH1979
ABH1979 - 8/22/2013, 1:31 PM
Frankly, not every movie is worth seeing at the theater.

I look forward to adding it to my Netflix queue, though.
fortycals
fortycals - 8/22/2013, 1:35 PM
Yeah I kinda agree, it was nowhere near a great movie, but it was watchable and mildly entertaining. Then again I went in with low expectations, so it didn't have that hard of a job to do.
HelaGood
HelaGood - 8/22/2013, 1:43 PM
The reason is much simpler:

RYAN REYNOLDS

period
ComicBookMovie
ComicBookMovie - 8/22/2013, 1:46 PM
Greengo,
You aren't wrong (that the reporting system is to alert me to people trolling) The problem is that it is difficult to tell from the reporting tool if users are "subtle trolls". There are a LOT of users who report others for opinions rather than REAL trolling. Unless I can see that the specific comment of a user is "over the top" I usually don't pay much attention to it. A single report of "MOS sucks" is not a reportable offense. Plus, I don't read EVERY comment in EVERY article, so unless I see that a user is being reported by multiple people on multiple articles over a period of time, I may not catch that they are subtle trolls.

If you want to inform me of a "subtle troll" you should email me: [email protected].
Greengo
Greengo - 8/22/2013, 2:00 PM
Ok Big G.

Thx for the reply and for clarifying.

@Ineed is not covert in his trolliness, but quite overt!

: )



wcwpoet
wcwpoet - 8/22/2013, 2:12 PM
From the first trailer this had awful written all over it.
JoeMomma29
JoeMomma29 - 8/22/2013, 2:52 PM
LMAO! Look and Ineedaweiner trying to spin his trolling to the tune that Big G notices or knows of him!!!!! LOL! No dude you are on thin ice with all your MOS hate.
Berserker187
Berserker187 - 8/22/2013, 3:01 PM
Reynolds he sucks in everything he has done since .....Damm can't think of anything good he has done.😌
efcamachopmp
efcamachopmp - 8/22/2013, 3:06 PM
@Galaxy -- I lol'd at that gif, is that Keith Apicary?

@Fettastic, fair enough, I can tone done a lot of the generic satire, but the aspect referring to the antagonist is obviously in reference to Kevin Bacon's performance.

I definitely didn't hold hands in pointing out "what not to do". But I agree, if one person didn't get it, perhaps my humorist comparisons might have been heavy handed.

The Actors while doing their basic jobs, simply did their technical jobs. They didn't really wow us in those roles.

Mainly Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Bacon, and possibly even Mary Louise Parker...

The Special Effects were weak.

The Antagonist was Weak, not just the actor, the character itself.

The story was weak, seemingly underdeveloped.

When comparing this film, regardless if you can enjoy it as a simple mindless-indulgence, it compares no where on the spectrum to some of the biggest CBM's on the market...

It's a mish-mash of film premises, styles, and borrows from a number of other movies, shamelessly.

Those were the general undertones in context in my article. But I will consider some alterations to the style for the future. Thanks
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