A Sci-Fi Flop Is Ryan Reynolds’ Worst Movie, According To Rotten Tomatoes
For many years, Hollywood didn’t quite know what to do with the versatile Ryan Reynolds. From romantic leads to horror icons, comedic roles to action-packed adventures, Reynolds has navigated various genres in his career. However, it wasn’t until his standout performances in films like "The Voices," "Pokémon Detective Pikachu," and the iconic "Deadpool" that Reynolds truly solidified his star status. The success of "Deadpool & Wolverine" further cemented his place in Hollywood, grossing over $1.3 billion in 2024.
In 2013, three years prior to the Deadpool phenomenon, Reynolds starred in the fantasy action film "R.I.P.D." directed by Robert Schwentke. The movie follows the story of Nick Walker, a cop who finds himself in the afterlife and is recruited into the R.I.P.D. (Rest in Peace Department). Teaming up with an Old West sheriff named Roycephus Pulsipher, the duo embarks on a mission to capture souls that have escaped judgement, reminiscent of the classic buddy cop dynamic seen in "Men in Black."
Despite its promising premise and a hefty $150 million budget for stunning supernatural effects, "R.I.P.D." failed to impress both critics and audiences. With a dismal 13% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it stands as Ryan Reynolds’ worst-reviewed movie to date. The film’s lackluster box office performance, earning only about $79 million worldwide, further solidified its status as one of Reynolds’ biggest career flops, second only to "Green Lantern."
The biggest flaw of "R.I.P.D." lies not in its similarities to "Men in Black" but in its failure to deliver humor. While Reynolds is known for his comedic prowess, his chemistry with Jeff Bridges fell short, leaving the film devoid of the expected laughs. The intriguing concept of body-swapping between the R.I.P.D. agents and their avatars on Earth was underexplored, missing an opportunity for deeper exploration of identity and appearance themes.
Critics were quick to pan "R.I.P.D.," labeling it as an unfunny mess that fell short of its potential. The film’s lack of originality and humor left much to be desired, with only a few bright spots like Mary Louise Parker’s performance receiving any praise. Even Jeff Bridges, the film’s saving grace according to some, couldn’t salvage the overall experience. With reviews likening the movie to a painful wait for jury duty or a lackluster TV show from the ’80s, "R.I.P.D." failed to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
With its abysmal 13% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, "R.I.P.D." ranks as Reynolds’ lowest-rated film, overshadowing other less successful projects in his filmography. Lacking the charm of being "so bad it’s good," the movie fails to captivate viewers in any meaningful way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "R.I.P.D." stands as a cautionary tale of a promising concept that falls flat in execution. Despite the star power of Reynolds and Bridges, the film’s lack of humor and originality ultimately led to its downfall. With a forgettable plot and underdeveloped characters, "R.I.P.D." fails to make a lasting impact in the sci-fi action genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
- **Is "R.I.P.D." worth watching despite its poor reviews?
- Despite its low ratings, some viewers may still find entertainment value in "R.I.P.D." if they enjoy supernatural action films.
- **How does Ryan Reynolds’ performance compare to his other roles?
- Reynolds’ comedic talents are underutilized in "R.I.P.D.," failing to showcase his full potential as an actor.
- **What are the main criticisms of the film?
- Critics highlight the lack of humor, originality, and chemistry between the lead actors as major drawbacks of "R.I.P.D."
- **Are there any redeeming qualities in the movie?
- Some critics praise Mary Louise Parker’s performance and Jeff Bridges’ portrayal as the only saving graces in an otherwise lackluster film.
- **How does "R.I.P.D." compare to other sci-fi action movies?
- "R.I.P.D." falls short in comparison to other genre classics, failing to deliver a memorable or engaging storyline.
- **Why did the film receive such negative reviews?
- Critics cite the film’s generic plot, derivative elements, and lack of humor as key reasons for its poor reception.
- **What impact did the film’s failure have on Ryan Reynolds’ career?
- Despite setbacks like "R.I.P.D.," Reynolds managed to bounce back with successful projects like "Deadpool" and "Pokémon Detective Pikachu," solidifying his status as a Hollywood star.
- **Are there any standout visual effects in the movie?
- While the film boasts impressive supernatural effects, they are overshadowed by the movie’s lackluster storyline and character development.
- **How does "R.I.P.D." compare to other buddy cop films?
- "R.I.P.D." falls short of capturing the magic of classic buddy cop dynamics seen in films like "Men in Black," failing to establish a memorable partnership between the lead characters.
- **Would fans of Ryan Reynolds enjoy "R.I.P.D."?
- While Reynolds’ fans may appreciate his performance in the film, overall reception suggests that "R.I.P.D." may not be the best showcase of his talents.