R.I.P.D.

Summer is the time of year when we can expect a plethora of action/adventure fantasy type films. And with this being the case, one of those films that has been released is "R.I.P.D". And this definitely puts the 'F' in fantasy.

Veteran sheriff Roy Pulsifer (Jeff Bridges) has spent his career with the legendary police force known as R.I.P.D. (Rest in Peace Department) tracking monstrous spirits who are cleverly disguised as ordinary people. His mission? To arrest and bring justice to a special brand of criminals trying to escape final judgment by hiding among the unsuspecting on Earth. Once the wise-cracking Roy is assigned former rising-star detective Nick Walker (Ryan Reynolds) as his junior officer, the new partners have to turn grudging respect into top-notch teamwork. When they uncover a plot that could end life as we know it, as told to them by Proctor (Mary-Louise Parker), the one that assigns officers, these two of R.I.P.D.'s finest must miraculously restore the cosmic balance... or watch the tunnel to the afterlife begin sending angry souls the very wrong way.

Others to round out the cast cast are Kevin Bacon as Bobby Hayes, Nick's police partner before Nick is fatally shot, Stephanie Szostak as Julia Walker, Nick's wife, James Hong as Nick's Avatar, Marisa Miller as Roy's Avatar, Robert Knepper as Stanley Nawlicki, Mike O'Malley as Elliot, Devin Ratray as Pulaski, Larry Joe Campbell as Officer Murphy, Michael Coons as Ofcr. in Locker Rm., Christina Everett as R.I.P.D. Evidence Clerk, Michael Tow as R.I.P.D. Evidence Clerk, and Lonnie Farmer as Proctor's Avatar.

This was rollickingly and fun-wittedly directed by Robert Schwentke ("Tattoo" '02, "The Family Jewels" '03, "Flightplan" '05, "The Time Traveler's Wife" '09, "RED" '10). Considering his resume, this guy knows his way around a far-fetched and fantastical premise as this obviously is. It was written by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi based on a story by David Dobkin, Hay, and Manfredi, which was based on the Dark Horse comic by Peter M Lenkov. Even though this has a similar feel of that of "Men in Black", this is still incredibly entertaining and outright fun.

This film is the reason why summer flicks were invented, and with Rhythm & Hues slickly done visual effects, Jeff Bridges' over-the-top character of Roy with the 3D process, you'll certainly leave the cineplex with a huge grin on your face.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                     Rated: PG-13                     97mins.