“R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned” (2022) is a supernatural action-comedy film and a prequel to the 2013 movie R.I.P.D. (Rest in Peace Department). Directed by Paul Leyden, this film explores the origins of the supernatural law enforcement agency that deals with rogue spirits threatening the world of the living.

Set in the American Wild West in 1876, the story follows Sheriff Roy Pulsipher (Jeffrey Donovan), who dies in a gunfight and is recruited into the R.I.P.D., an afterlife agency that captures and contains evil spirits known as “Deados.” As a newly appointed officer in this supernatural department, Roy is tasked with protecting the world from the dead who refuse to move on peacefully.

The plot revolves around Roy and his partner Jeanne (Penelope Mitchell) as they investigate a mysterious surge in undead activity in a small frontier town. They soon discover that a portal to Hell is on the verge of opening, which could bring catastrophic consequences to both the living and the dead. To stop this apocalypse, Roy must confront not only the malevolent spirits but also face his own past and the moral dilemmas that arise in his new role as a guardian of the afterlife.

While R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned retains the mix of action, humor, and supernatural elements from the first film, it takes on a more Western vibe with its setting in the Old West. The film features shootouts, ghostly confrontations, and a blend of comedy and adventure as Roy adapts to his new afterlife job.

The movie received mixed reviews, with some viewers enjoying its lighthearted approach and Western style, while others felt it lacked the originality and charm needed to stand out. Despite its modest reception, it appeals to fans of supernatural action films and those who enjoyed the original R.I.P.D..

Overall, R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is an entertaining prequel that explores the origins of a supernatural police force with a combination of Western flair, humor, and ghostly action.