Jill Rips

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.

Even though I am a Dolph Lundgren fan, I put off watching "Jill The Ripper" for a long time, namely because it was a Phoenician Entertainment production - they have made many cheap and shoddy movies. So I was surprised by the quality of this effort of theirs when I sat down to watch it. Although it is a low budget production, the movie looks fairly slick and professionally made. The snow-covered Toronto locations help to give this movie an appropriately dark and moody feel to it. Lundgren gives a pretty good performance, apparently not afraid to play a protagonist who does several unlikable things during the course of the movie. So there is some good stuff here. However, there are also a few disappointing aspects to the movie. Although running only 94 minutes, it feels a lot longer. The mystery aspect of the movie is somewhat confusing. In fact, there are several parts of the movie where it seems that footage is missing. And why the heck is the movie set in 1977? It could have easily been set in the present day with absolutely no changes to the script. Despite these and other flaws, the movie is still interesting, and will appeal to Lundgren fans who want to see him in a different genre and different kind of character for a change.

At first I thought, "What the hell is Dolph Lundgren doing upside down?" And then I watched the movie. This one really surprised me because of all the movies he could do he did this. But it was not at all what I had initially thought it to be. Yes there is bondage. Yes there is prostitution and yes there are moments you feel somewhat uncomfortable. (I did) But we have a man who comes home to the funeral of his newlywed brother and finds himself looking for answers and finds them in the strangest places and with the strangest people.

He is met with domination prostitutes, S and M clubs, a house of domination, and even a submissive that is anything but. In the end he does find who is responsible for the murder of his brother and the serial murders surrounding certain people. It just turns out to be the one person he doesn't want to see go to jail. On a side note: Lundgren further surprised me in one particular scene in which he is asked why he did something in his past and the answer he gives is one that made me stop and rewind.

He was brilliant.

His recollection of what had happened moved me and made me see what others may not and may never.

Dolph Lundgren can act.

When given well written material Lundgren can actually do something with it. This movie may not have made it to theaters but his performance made me realize that he's not a bad actor; he's just an actor that needs good material and a supporting cast that care about the craft.

So I'm writing this one up as a well-liked movie. Yes I own it and yes, I've seen it multiple times and I wish that he was given the chance to be just as brilliant in other movies as he was in this one. And no, not every scene was perfect but then again, not every movie has those and if we are honest, even the most well thought out and well received movie has flaws.

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.

Dolph stars in this thriller which delves in to the dark world of S&M and does a good job as the guy who's brother was killed after a session with a mystery female killer nicknamed Jill the Ripper. The films story is not too taxing on the brain but is far from simple and there are a few twists in the plot along the way as for the characters, there are a few engaging characters Dolph being one of them and there are a few who are not so engaging who in fact you really start to hope get killed off. Lundgrens performance is decent and he outshines the rest of the cast none of whom would be recognizable by name or face, the film is at times quite funny with some of the costumes and accessories that are on show. This is not a typical Dolph film and is a rare venture out of action for him and it is quite enjoyable i would give it 6/10