R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned (2022) is a supernatural action-comedy and a prequel to the 2013 film R.I.P.D. The movie takes viewers back to the Old West, where the concept of the R.I.P.D. (Rest In Peace Department) was first established. Directed by Paul Leyden, this film reimagines the franchise’s premise with a new cast of characters, a different setting, and a fresh storyline.

Set in 1876, R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned follows Roy Pulsipher (played by Jeffrey Donovan), a former outlaw who is killed during a botched robbery and sent to the afterlife. Instead of moving on to the next realm, Roy is recruited by the R.I.P.D., a law enforcement organization that exists in the afterlife to hunt down rogue souls that refuse to move on. These rogue souls are known as the “Damned,” and they remain on Earth, causing chaos and wreaking havoc.

Roy, paired with a seasoned R.I.P.D. officer, Maggie (played by Kerry Knuppe), begins his mission to track down the most dangerous of these Damned souls. As Roy adapts to his new life as a spirit, he must learn the ropes of the R.I.P.D. and battle various supernatural entities, all while uncovering a dark conspiracy involving a vengeful spirit that threatens to bring chaos to both the living and the dead.

The plot centers around a powerful spirit who seeks to bring the world of the living to its knees, and Roy must confront his past as an outlaw while dealing with the complexities of his new role. As he navigates this new world, Roy’s character is torn between redemption and revenge, facing moral dilemmas and dangerous adversaries along the way.

The movie combines Western tropes with supernatural and comedic elements, offering a unique blend of genres. While it doesn’t carry the same big-budget effects as the original R.I.P.D., it leans into the campy humor and action sequences that the franchise is known for. The film also explores themes of redemption, justice, and the afterlife, creating a more personal narrative compared to its predecessor.

While R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned features lighter, more comedic elements, it also embraces its darker, more serious moments, providing an engaging mix of action, humor, and supernatural intrigue. The film is a standalone story that introduces viewers to the origins of the R.I.P.D. organization and its first battle against the forces of the Damned, setting the stage for the supernatural law enforcement agency’s future.

Though it received mixed reviews, particularly in comparison to the original, R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned succeeds in expanding the universe and providing fans of the first film with a deeper exploration of its premise, wrapped in a Western supernatural setting. The film offers an enjoyable ride for those looking for a quirky, action-packed adventure with a dose of the paranormal.