Jill Rips

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

Dolph Lundgren stars as a former cop/boxer who searches Boston's kinky scene to find out who killed his brother,who was well thought of in the community, however along the way he learns how his brother enjoyed kinky sex and that a serial killer is to blame. Dolph Lundgren is very good in this movie, in fact on the basis of his performance here, one would forget Lundgren's rise to fame involved action roles. That said the material gives Lundgren nothing to work with, in fact, Lundgren is completely left out to dry in a dreary thriller which is both predictable and incomprehensible. Co-Star Danielle Brett is also good, in fact the film works best when it centers around the chemistry of Lundgren and Brett, indeed had the film taken the time to explore their relationship the film would've been fairly decent. However the movie is lackluster, the action is non-existent, the plot not given enough exploration (Too much boring B.S around Lundgren's investigation of his brother's employer) and the film is needlessly gory and ridiculous. Once again, Lundgren is actually really good (As is newcomer Danielle Brett) but the film just lumbers from one sequence to the next, which makes this movie particularly disappointing. If anything else though, it shows how underrated Lundgren is, as an actor.

*1/2 Out Of 4-(Poor)

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.

The critique about this movie seems to be it doesn't have enough action in it. Which misses the point as this isn't an action movie. This is a police procedural which should be obvious within the first few minutes of the movie due to the lack of explosions.

Jill Rips is apparently based on a novel which makes sense because this feels more like a Patricia Cornwell serial killer hunt story. And the film actually fits well within this category and will be an enjoyable watch if that is your thing. It has all the hallmarks of these kinds of stories, an alcoholic ex-cop, some over the top gore, a plodding at times pace and strange sexual elements. Because in this movie, its apparent from the start that the alleged serial killer is a dominatrix. As per usual the fetish scenes in these movies are done pretty badly. So if that is your think look elsewhere.

There aren't many recognisable faces in this and its definitely a low budget movie. It has the production values of a TV movie or straight to video content. Dolph is his usual self, which isn't quite a good fit for the character. He is far too big and healthy looking for this role. He is also too big to be believably beat up by the men attacking him at various points. There is little in the way of mystery as you will likely guess the killer straight away. But the story resolves itself satisfyingly enough. Its an average movie for what it is, its just obvious that some Dolph fans have chosen to watch it assuming its another action movie so have downvoted it.

If you like police procedurals about serial killers with a sexual edge then this will likely be worthwhile. Lovers of extravagant martial arts punch ups and huge explosions will be disappointed.