Jill Rips (2000) User Reviews

SURPRISINGLY TOLERABLE

[flimbuff · 5/10 · 31 August 2002]

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.

I think they were actually trying to be serious?!

[Robert_duder · 3/10 · 13 December 2007]

I think Dolph Lundgren had potential at being a big action star a la Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and even Van Damme to certain degree. He had some big moments in his career but he also made some poor choices and this is definitely one of them although made later in his career. The strange thing about Jill The Ripper (or Jill Rips...or Tied Up) is that I honestly think they seriously thought they were making a provocative and serious thriller? It shows in the way that they describe it on IMDb, on the DVD case, in the commentaries, and this film is not serious. To call it campy would be a huge understatement. The film tries to be complex and intelligent when in fact it's nothing more than shallow, confusing and gratuitous. On top of that they put Lundgren, who is known for action films, in an attempt at a serious role which makes it even more campy because his range as an actor is pretty limited. The entire film revolves around the kinky sex world and yet they attempt at making it a serious thriller? Just the plot and premise immediately make it a B-Movie Porn at very best.

Dolph Lundgren plays disgraced former cop and raging alcoholic Matt Sorenson who decides to play Detective when his brother is murdered. I mean put aside the numerous plot holes that has Lundgren getting free roam to investigate crime scenes, and witnesses and everything else even though he's not a cop anymore and you still have a pretty strange and rather lack luster performance from Lundgren. Danielle Brett is Lundgren's eventual love interest and his brother's widow. Brett plays her role decently enough considering the script and campy story. The supporting cast is huge and no one particularly stands out in their performances unless it's on the negative side such as the absolutely horrible performance by Victor Pedtrchenko who seems to go by several different names in the film, boasts an awful accent and is a really awful villain.

I honestly tried to get into the mystery and film and watch closely but there wasn't any reason to because it was all a jumble of ridiculous plot and gratuitous sex games including a downright ridiculously hilarious scene where Lundgren goes under cover and is strung upside down nearly naked. To explain how classy and well done this movie is (sarcasm...sarcasm) the back of the DVD I picked up (it was really cheap) has Lundgren's character listed as "Murray Wilson" (not the name of his character in the film.) While somehow Lundgren manages to be usually watchable the film falls flat on it's face trying to be serious. Considering director Anthony Hickox is infamous for really B-Movie Horror flicks it only makes sense even though I think he was really trying to be serious. Hard core cult Lundgren fans will have to see it...no one else should...certainly for any sort of mystery or suspense. 3/10

Rip off...

[fmarkland32 · 3/10 · 16 June 2009]

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)

A breakthrough film for Dolph after a decade

[wellthatswhatithinkanyway · 30 December 2000]

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.****

Very misleading marketing....

[Snopjo · 1/10 · 27 July 2000]

Okay, I rented this movie because of the director...he has made some interesting flicks in the past (if you haven't seen Waxork you are missing a fun ride). Anyway, I had my doubts about this movie from the beginning but I decided to suck it up and give it a look. It's bad. Very bad. If you haven't seen the movie and don't mind spoilers read ahead. First of all, the old saying 'You can't judge a book by it's cover' applies here. The box for this flick seems to indicate that Jill is the stone fox with long hair with highlights. The back of the box has a cool shot of the red-leather Jill and some other shots. The description makes you want to rent the movie because it SOUNDS good. You start watching it and suddenly you find out that the movie takes place (inexplicably) in 1977. Jill is a total dog who is not the girl on the cover. The movie is not quite as predictable as you would think...and that's not a good thing. Characters do so many stupid things without any modicum of motivation...it's embarrassing to watch. 10 minutes before the end of the movie Dolph and another lady have sex for no good reason. Also, what was the point of having Dolph kill this other lady in cold blood who had been helping him. Anthony Hickox the director should have seen a stinker when he read the script. Had it been set in the underworld of the new milennium and made the characters halfway intelligent it might have been decent. To set it in the 70's makes no sense and has no bearing on the story whatsoever. Avoid it!

Female Jack Ripper story ?

[Maziun · 1/10 · 7 July 2018]

The movie is also known uder the title Tied up . This movie seems to be a blend of Basic Instinct and 8MM . It's based on a book , but from what I've heard only very loosely. The movie is set in 1977 , but why exactly ? ? It could have easily been set in the present day with absolutely no changes to the plot. I don't know , maybe the moviemakers wanted to feel original or something.

There are two good things in this movie. The snow covered Toronto is a really good location that helps to create a dark mood. Also the acting of Dolph Lundgren and Danielle Brett is REALLY solid. Especially Dolph shows here that he has got a reasonable talent and you start to wonder what if he played in better movies with better roles ? He deserves more credit for his acting skills. Also I respect that he wanted to do something different than action movie - an erotic thriller where the action is non-existent.

Unfortunately that's the end of good things. There is a horrible performance by Victor Pedtrchenko who plays Polish (?) pimp. The movie feels too long , despite being only 94 minutes long. There are several parts of the movie where it seems that footage is missing. The solution to the mystery is obvious for anyone with half of brain. Ironically , the plot itself either drags in places (the investigation of the brother's employer) or is incomprehensible. Character motivations are confusing. There is no sense of suspense. The story is campy and feels like it belongs more to a porn movie than serious thriller. The film is needlessly gory and ridiculous. How anyone could take this stuff seriously ? It's not sexy and often unintentionally funny. It's unpleasant at best. A rather boring , over serious , cheap shock thriller.

I give it 1/10.

An unpleasant film with no redeeming insights

[kapecki · 2/10 · 18 February 2003]

This unpleasant film has little to recommend it. Dolph Lundgren gives a performance that is better than either this script or his other action films have allowed. And there are occasional snippets of dialog that suggest the film might have been able to provide some insight into a bizarre subculture.

But no. Motivations are either murky or trite. Most of the acting is sub-par. The script creates needless confusion. And the director's needless fascination with focusing on gore is distracting.

It's hard to imagine who the audience is for this film.

* OUT OF FIVE

[bronsonskull72 · 2/10 · 26 October 2003]

Dolph Lundgren stars as Murray Wilson an alcoholic ex-cop who gets involved with a serial killer who kills during sex, after his brother is murdered, Wilson starts his own investigation and finds out a lot of his brother's secrets in this very dull thriller. Lundgren mails in his performance and the movie is flat and lethargic. Also when has anyone watched a Dolph Lundgren movie for anything but action?

Law and Order: SVU episodes, generally speaking, have similar themes and are more watchable.

[tarbosh22000 · 5/10 · 6 June 2014]

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.

Jill will rip you off entertainment wise

[videorama-759-859391 · 4/10 · 9 March 2014]

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.

Drunken ex-cop gets into more trouble as his brothers get murdered.

[pakalika · 2/10 · 9 October 2000]

Probably the worst Dolph film ever. There's nothing you'd want or expect here. Don't waste your time. Dolph plays a miserable cop with no interests in life. His brother gets killed and Dolph tries to figure things out. The character is just plain stupid and stumbles around aimlessly. Pointless.

Unlike Any Other Dolph Movie

[karrie122 · 9/10 · 26 January 2001]

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.

A Surprise for me but a good one.

[dragonlady_872 · 7/10 · 29 September 2013]

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.

Best to avoid this one

[danjsr · 3/10 · 21 August 2001]

I saw this film under the title of "Tied Up". In general I have enjoyed Dolph's movies, so gave this one a try. It wasn't worth it. I have read some of the previous comments about the box enticing viewers. Don't be fooled. This is a poor film at best. The acting is nonexistent. The plot, what little there is of one, is very predictable. The movie in places seems to be chopped together. This one just plain stinks the place up. Not even worth the price of a cheap night rental. As a bit of a Dolph fan, I kept waiting to see him in action. By the end of the movie, you will still be waiting. Best to avoid this film, and spend your time watching almost anything else.

Flawed, but has some interest

[Wizard-8 · 28 January 2011]

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.

Typical Dolph Lundgren sleeper and I do mean sleeper.

[mgvolpe1 · 2/10 · 21 October 2002]

It just seems to run true to form, any movie starring Dolph Lundgren is bad! I don't know if it is the fact that the storyline in full of holes, or that Dolph is such a bad actor. No spoiler here, He seems to overdue the pushing and shoving and grabbing and touching thing in this movie. In my opinion it is a wonder that some of these projects find venture capital to get in the can and to the theatre.

A suspense thriller with an S&M theme

[junebug-10 · 1/10 · 29 May 2005]

This is the worst movie I have ever seen. The Avengers held this dubious honor… but no longer. The acting in "Jill the Ripper" is terrible and was only eclipsed by the plot. This movie is as intellectually stimulating as the Telletubbes. It doesn't know whether it wants to be an S&M flick or a really bad thriller. Only watch under extreme intoxication or if you're bed ridden and need a leather clad distraction. This script should be reworked into a porn, it wouldn't take very much effort and would have a longer shelf life. A porn, even a bad porn, wouldn't do the damage to Dolf Lundgren's career the way that this movie has.

Great Change Of Pace For Lundgren!

[callanvass · 8/10 · 30 April 2005]

This was great change of pace for Lundgren, a great thriller!. Now don't get me wrong i LOVE Dolph's action films but it was cool to see him do something different, and this is just what the doctor ordered!. It's very suspenseful and engaging, plus Dolph gives a wonderful performance!. A lot of people found this movie dull and boring, i whole heartedly disagree it was engrossing from start to finish, and was quite creepy at times, plus, there were some great plot twists!. The ending was rather surprising, and all the characters were cool, plus, it's unpredictable throughout. This is a great thriller, that i highly recommend to everyone, give it a chance, a great change of pace for Lundgren. The Direction is very good. Anthony Hickox, does a very good job here, creating creepy atmosphere, kept suspenseful at all times, some neat shots, and keeping the film at an engrossing pace. There is a little bit of blood. We get quite a few extremely gory corpses,, very gory photos, bloody cuts and slices,harsh bloody beatings, and a few bloody stabbings, fairly dry. The Acting is excellent!, Dolph Lundgren is AMAZING as always, and gives one of his best performances here, he is very likable, vulnerable, kicked that ass, had great chemistry with Danielle Brett, and was extremely convincing as the boozer, he is always tons of fun to watch! (Lundgren Rules!). Danielle Brett, is beautiful and was excellent here, she is very convincing, likable, had great chemistry with Lundgren and i felt for her character. Richard Fitzpatrick, is good here with what he has to do, i also loved the scenes with him and Lundgren.Kristi Angus was hot, and very sexy, but that's all she had to do really. Kylie Bax is also very sexy and does fine. Overall i highly recommend this thriller! definitely check it out!. ***1/2 out of 5

Bondage,Sex,Perversion...my kind of film.

[richard-318 · 6/10 · 16 October 2000]

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

Good movie but VHS box is wrong

[Dark_Raven · 8/10 · 16 January 2006]

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.

Impressed

[anthonyjenkins2004 · 23 June 2004]

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

Dangerously kinky!

[GOWBTW · 7/10 · 7 December 2005]

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.

As cheesy as it can be, there's something remarkable here.

[jeeperscreepers000 · 10/10 · 7 December 2020]

Hickox delivered a film that not only surpassed expectations, but also solidified himself as a director not afraid to dabble in taboo and unsettling themes. While the film is imperfect, it's also compelling and lurid, offering a gory glimpse of a sexually deviant serial killer while playing up sympathies for their tawdry behaviour. What I love most about this film is the snowy atmosphere and graphic displays of violence. I rented it on VHS back when it was released in 2000 and was immediately intrigued. It's the kind of film that requires a few viewings for full appreciation. You have to look past some of the rougher edges to find the gold within. Gory, sexy and patient. Jill the Ripper is an underappreciated and underseen gem. If you have an opportunity, give it a shot.

Terrible!!!///possible spoilers

[BloodTheTelepathicDog · 11 December 2004]

In how many ways can a person tell another to avoid a film?

This mess of a movie, is all to easy to decipher. If you can't figure out who the real murderess is fifteen minutes into this stinker, than you should be monkey-stomped

The plot centers on Matt Sorenson(Lundgren), a burnt out ex-police officer drunk, how about that tired Hollywood cliché, who searches for the killer of his kinky-sex addicted brother.

Dolph slaps around everyone that he comes into contact with, from the numerous hoodlums to his only pal on the police force. Why the hell he slaps around his only buddy is beyond me, maybe its to build his character, but for what purpose?

Plenty of leather uniforms and toys that I hope to never see in my bedroom.