Jill Rips

I must say, from the preview, it's interesting title you really expect this film to be an engrossing sort. It's a facade. This was one that ran short on just almost every level. Out of curiosity, I wanted to see this, just to see if Lundgren's acting has improved. A none too much improvement there. On a personal mission, of revenge, and of course a cop, he goes into the S and M world, none too sexy to find out who killed his brother who was into it. Based on a novel, sheerly here, the film hasn't done the book justice. The film kind of runs along the same line as the Get Shorty's, and watching Lundgren go through the motions, with his wooden clog acting, doesn't make for enthralling viewing. This film, no kidding, I was gyped, something made out to be much bigger than it really is.

I must say that I really liked the film, and I'm--by a degree--a big fan of Dolph...(though I must say Pentathalon wasn't one of my faves, but then again I was looking for an action flick and got that instead--With the exception of a few of his films, his acting has always been wooden...but with The Last Warrior, Hidden Assassin, and this one, Jill the Ripper, he is beginning to emote, and not just spout off lines. I was really impressed with the movie, but why not give us more evidence that the movie is supposed to take place in '77. Other than the vehicles and the outfits, you can't even tell. Now I need to go rent Detention. Wonder how his new movie that he's shooting in Romania will turn out. Way to go Dolph!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As a general rule I don't like martial arts movies and especially don't like Dolph Lundgren. But this isn't his typical fare and altho he still doesn't come off as an actor this film has a sort of interesting plot and our Dolph isn't the all powerful superhero.

He is an alcoholic ex-cop who has gotten involved in tracing what may be a serial killer for reasons of his own and almost displays some semblance of humanity. I say almost because although he tries our hero still has a lot of work to do, but this film is tolerable for the late nite audience.

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All Costs

Despite having no other major actors and having a regular Lundgren director,Jill Rips is Lundgren's most breakthrough film since Pentathlon ,after a decade spent starring in otherwise cheap,cliched fodder.The mystery/thriller element is immenently stronger than the action,which there really is virtually none of.Out the lot of them ,Dolph has always seemed the one most desperate to act rather than exploit his martial arts abilities than the likes of Van Damme,Seagal and Norris.The intricately wound plot is an inspired blend of Basic Instinct and the more recent Nicholas Cage thriller 8MM,in it's themes of S&M bondage and perverted deprivation.This is well worth seeing.Dolph doesn't look like he'll ever escape DTV movies ,and make another major film like Universal Soldier again,but all the same,and speaking of Van Damme,this is pretty much to Dolph's late career what Legionnaire was to the boasty Belgian.****

Jill the Ripper is Dolph Lundgren's best performance and is unlike any of his other movies. The movie is set in the 1970's and Dolph plays an ex-cop and boxer (Matt Sorenson) whose brother is killed during some kinky sex act. Matt delves into the world of S&M trying to find his brother's killer. This movie was filmed very well. You should see it for the setting and lighting if not for the actual story. Also, the DVD version contains a very interesting director's commentary from the film's director, Anthony Hickox. All of the actors turned in pretty good performances. There are some problems with the movie, the editing is not very well done and it leaves you wondering what is motivating the characters' behaviour, and several of the characters go by 2 or 3 different names which is confusing. Also, you know who the killer is pretty much from the beginning. But overall this is good movie. Some people might say its boring, I say its taking its time; Dolph's character is actually trying to develop. If you want an action Dolph flick where he kills everyone and flexes his muscles, DON'T watch this movie, watch Red Scorpion or Universal Soldier instead. If you want a semi-suspenseful horror flick (and to see Dolph tied up and hanging upside down almost naked during a bizarre sex act) watch this movie. My suggestion is to watch it at least twice. I actually hated it the first time I saw it. I don't know what made me watch it again, but the second time is the charm. Perhaps I was paying more attention the second time.