Ricochet is a 1991 American action crime thriller film directed by Russell Mulcahy, written by Steven E. de Souza, and starring Denzel Washington, John Lithgo](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-los-angeles)w, Ice-T, Kevin Pollak, and Lindsay Wagner. The film details a struggle between a [Los Angeles district attorney (Washington) and a vengeful criminal (Lithgow) whom he arrested when he was a cop.
The screenplay was originally written as a Dirty Harry film, but Clint Eastwood deemed it too grim. The movie had a modest box office, making $4,831,181 in its opening weekend, 2nd behind The Fisher King, and grossing over $21 million in its theatrical run.
Plot
The plot of the 1991 film, Ricochet revolves around a struggle between a Los Angeles district attorney named Nick Styles, played by Denzel Washington, and a vengeful criminal named Earl Talbot Blake, played by John Lithgow.
After Blake escapes from prison, he seeks revenge on Styles by framing him for a murder and ruining his reputation. Styles must clear his name and stop Blake before he can harm his family.
Trailer
Cast
- Denzel Washington as Nick Styles
- John Lithgow as Earl Talbot Blake
- Ice-T as Odessa
- Kevin Pollak as Larry Doyle
- Lindsay Wagner as DA Priscilla Brimleigh
- Mary Ellen Trainor as Gail Wallens
- John Amos as Lt. Danny Blaine
- Josh Evans as Kim
- Victoria Dillard as Alice
- John Cothran Jr. as Councilman Farris
- Linda Dona as Wanda
The film also features a number of stunt performers and crew members, including Peter Levy as director of photography, Alan Silvestri as composer, and Jaymes Hinkle as production designer.
Original Language: English
Director: Russell Mulcahy
Writer: Fred Dekker
Box Office Gross: $21,756,163
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Genre: Action
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2016
Themes & Reception
The film Ricochet explores themes of revenge, corruption, and the consequences of one's actions. It delves into the struggle between the protagonist and the antagonist, examining the impact of their choices and the pursuit of justice.
The critical reception of Ricochet was mixed, with some praising its action and performances, while others criticized its over-the-top and illogical presentation. Despite this, the film had a modest box office performance, grossing over $21 million in its theatrical run
Trivia
- John Lithgow almost never blinks during the film.
- Denzel Washington worked out for three hours a day, six days a week for four months to prepare for his role.
- The film features a notable "Cast Showoff" moment, where Kevin Pollak, who plays Nick's partner Larry Doyle, does his James T. Kirk impression.