Jill Rips (2000)

Memorable, crazy movie

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Set in Boston in 1977, Jill the Ripper is the tale of Matt Sorenson (Dolph), an ex-cop who may or may not have gotten in trouble because of his rogue ways and possible drinking problem. When his brother, a politician who was meant to be spearheading a massive underground tunnel project, ends up mysteriously murdered, Matt tries to piece together who may be behind it. It turns out a female serial killer is on the loose, and Matt tears up all of Toronto, sorry, BOSTON, trying to get answers. As might be expected, his search leads him to seedy S & M dungeons where men are constantly being whipped and humiliated, Zipperface (1992) style. Will Matt Sorenson get to the truth, or will he get all "tied up" (groan) ? Jill the Ripper was made during Dolph's "hitting the skids" period of the late 90's-early 2000's. He was caught in between his 80's glory and his modern renaissance. Hence cruddy crud like Agent Red (2000), Storm Catcher (1999), Hidden Agenda (2001) and Detention (2003). Missionary Man (2007) catches Dolph right in the middle of production companies shrugging their shoulders and announcing "we don't know what to do with him". This proves that even being the world's greatest human being still isn't good enough for Hollywood or small independent companies. He must have felt he was in a bind, much like Jill the Ripper's victims.Dolph does get to stretch his acting muscles a bit, because, after all, this is more a mystery/drama than anything else. There are large swathes of the movie that consist of dour dialogue scenes, and Dolph probably enjoyed a chance to get away from being seen as "just another musclehead". Though we know that isn't true, he still got to show some dramatic range here. The fact that it's a 70's period piece was interesting, and appreciated, but the movie as a whole has a "not theater ready" feel that many Canada-shot DTV items seem to have, and the whole 70's vibe might have been done better under different circumstances. For example, there's a Black guy with an absurd afro wig and an outfit that looks more like he's on his way to a 70's-themed party than anything else. Either that, or he sincerely believes the fact that funk will never die.So while the movie isn't a typical beat-em-up, it kind of made us wish that it was. It's more of a ponderously over-serious bore, though it does include the time honored barfight. Let's also remember the late 90's/early 2000's were a dark time for DTV - in more ways than one. It was the beginning of the "Too Dark Cliché", or TDC, which is highly prevalent today in both TV and movies. That being the phenomenon of under-lighting scenes to the point where it's not moody or interesting, you just can't see anything. So, for the above stated reasons, it doesn't hook you in, and you don't really care all that much. Law and Order: SVU episodes, generally speaking, have similar themes and are more watchable.Jill the Ripper was generally relegated to the dusty netherworld of un-perused video store shelves of the day. And that seems to be the final fate of this item from the interim phase of Dolph's career.

It was a really good movie. Not one of Dolph's best but it was good none the less. Matt goes undercover to find out who kills his brother. It's not something that is like a lot of Dolph's other movies but I would still watch it constantly just like I do a lot of his movies. Don't listen to what is on the box of the VHS though. It says that Dolph's character's name is Murray Wilson. It's not. It's Matt Sorenson. I'd suggest that you watch this. Especially if you get into Dolph Lundgren's movies. Or watch Agent Red or Silent Trigger or Silent Assassin. These three are also movies of his that I believe are really good.

Scandalously devious, erotically enticing, and dangerously clever and kinky. This movie is what is all about. Coming home from the West Coast to here more about a death of a brother is usual. The role reversal of men getting their "franks and beans" hacked will make a rapist go straight. A modern day "Jill The Ripper" is out and the brother wants to find out who it is. Dolph's character as a hardcore ex-cop must find out who killed his brother. However, his brother's desires would make a target for scandal, and it would definitely make the family look bad. I liked the part where the brother's widow kicks the captain in the "jewels". That was funny. Then there's this dog who is owned by the eccentric afro-American woman who doesn't care about the dog period. All the sex and violence makes "Basic Instinct" safe to watch. Being tied up in any fashion: in a cage, on the bed, in the tub, etc. This movie shouldn't be called "Tied up", it should be called "Deadly Bondage". But then again, I leave the other title the way it is. For the kinky, and the horny. Rating 3 out of 5 stars.

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.