Streaming Review: THE RIP

When I heard that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were reuniting on a police/crime/action thriller I was excited.

When I heard that it was going to be a straight-to-streaming Netflix film, I was trepidatious.

I was right on both accounts.

THE RIP tells the tale of a squad of Miami detectives that stumble across a large amount of drug cartel money. The tension comes into play as the squad divides over whether to turn the money in or keep some (or all) of it for themselves.

It’s a good premise and Director/Writer Joe Carnahan (SMOKIN’ ACES) populates this film with strong performers and decent (enough) action scenes that keeps the plot moving at a tense, crackling pace.

But…the “Netflix budget” aspect of this film shows as production values are lowered (most of the movie takes place at night in dark, smoky rooms to hide the lack of depth of the sets) and the script is thinner than the paper it is printed on causing the actors to rely on their instincts and on-screen charisma to garner any sense of personal stakes.

Thankfully, Carnahan has Damon and Affleck to ground the picture. They act like two old buddies that have been through the wars together. The question of this film is “are they on the same side” and “will their friendship survive this test” and in Matt and Ben’s capable hands, these central questions are professionally handled by these two Oscar winners.

It also helps that Carnahan hands Matt and Ben a strong core of character actors to help flesh out the thin script and action and it is only when all of these performers start interacting with each other that this film takes off.

Teyana Taylor (who WILL WIN the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress next month), Steven Yeun (who was Oscar nominated a few years back for MINARI) and the always dependable Kyle Chandler (let’s go with…SUPER 8) give it their all and help the audience sit comfortably back in their seats and chew their popcorn while these performers chew up their scenes (and action) together.

Oh, and let’s not forget Scott Adkins who was dubbed “the Ukranian Ben Affleck”. He appears in this film as, you guessed it, Ben Affleck’s brother.

It’s a good wink to the audience as well as the action scenes which are professionally put together with choreography that makes sense, letting you know exactly who is where and who is doing what and avoiding the “quick cut Cinema Veritae” nonsense that many action directors favor these days.

The film starts out a bit too slow for my tastes as Carnahan attempts to flesh out the characters early on (so the audience can root for them later on). It’s a nice try but with lame dialogue and weak script, this part of the film fails to engage.

It is only when Damon, Affleck and the rest of the crew engage each other in action and interplay that this film catches (enough) steam to be an enjoyable (enough) ride.

Letter Grade: B+

7 1/2 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)