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Never underestimate the power of woman. This tagline of Whipped erroneously gives the impression that it is pro-woman. The story is about
four buddies and their scamming ways (seducing and maneuvering women into bed for the purpose of having sex). Bachelors Brad (Brian Van Holt), a young stockbrocker, Zeke
(Zorie Barber), a would-be screenplay writer and Jonathan (Jonathan Abrahams), a compulsive masturbator, meet Every Sunday morning for brunch to brag about their weekend
dating conquest with Eric (Judah Domke), a former member of the group who is now married. One morning, each of the bachelors reveals he has met someone special for whom
scamming is no longer appropriate. It turns out that all three of them have fallen in love with Mia (Amanda Peet, The Whole Nine Yards). Will this woman break the bonds of
their friendship and transform them?
First time screenplay writer, director and producer Peter M. Cohen's Whipped deserves
to be whipped. There is nothing original in the story, the characters are undeveloped and the script is shallow. Although some dialogue is witty enough, it's peppered with
foul language said by men who brag like high school boys. Aside from Amanda Peet, the actors are virtually unknown and all of them, including Peet, deliver a flat performance.
The humor is crude, base and not funny. Cohen said this film was shot in 15 days - and it shows! It's nothing but actors talking most of the time and some silly sexual
situations. Some films created by high school students have more sense, depth, genuine humor and better actors! Even the musical score sometimes drowns the dialogue.
Whipped is a facetious portrayal of the dating game where men and women use each other purely for sexual activity without regard for their dignity or feelings. Sex is simply for fun. The shallow attitude this men show towards women is dehumanizing and because they demonstrate no remorse, it is deemed acceptable. No single relationship on screen is healthy or mature. Although sanitized, the theme (free sex, masturbation, sexual exploitation, "scamming") and language damage whatever value (e.g. friendship) it tries to present, especially when the bond that unites them is nothing more than common malicious interests. It's a waste to spend time on this movie.
For the stated reasons, CINEMA rates this film not for public viewing.
(Date Reviewed: January 26, 2001)
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