Ricochet Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
He's a cop accused of murder. And the only man who knows he's innocent is the killer who framed him.
This is one case that's going to be settled out of court.
Rookie Los Angeles cop Nick Styles is at a Los Angeles street fair, where hit man Earl Talbot Blake pulls a double cross on some drug dealers, killing four men. Minutes later, Nick shoots Blake in the knee, and Blake is grabbed by Nick's partner and best friend Larry Doyle. Nick becomes the focus of the media, thanks to an amateur cameraman's footage of Nick disarming Blake. Over the next few years, Nick's career takes off: he's offered a job in the district attorney's office, and his hip media style keeps him in the public eye. Nick marries a woman named Alice and they go on to have two daughters named Lisa and Monica. While Blake is in prison, he vows revenge on Nick. When Blake comes up for parole, he orchestrates a bloody escape — which includes faking his own death. Blake doesn't want Nick dead. He just wants Nick to suffer in spades. He wants to ruin Nick's life as completely as possible, and then have Nick sent to prison for murder so Nick will know how Blake feels. Blake begins his vendetta by killing city councilman U. B. Farris and planting evidence to make everyone think Nick and Farris are running an underage pornography ring. Blake then kidnaps Nick, forces him to take drugs and have sex with a prostitute, videotapes the whole thing, and then releases Nick. Nick tells everyone that it was Blake who kidnapped him, but everyone refuses to believe Nick because everyone thinks Blake is dead. That night, Blake breaks into Nick's house, and makes a threatening videotape with Lisa, Monica, and an ax in it, but Blake didn't actually do anything to Lisa and Monica. Nick is then suspended from the DA's office, with everyone thinking that Nick is mentally ill because he keeps saying that Blake is still alive. Blake then begins the final phase of his vendetta — he kills Larry and frames Nick for it. Blake also links Nick to misappropriation of public funds, specifically, the funds he's supposed to be raising for a children's center in a building at the base of the Watts tower. Nick is forced to turn to his childhood friend, gang leader Odessa, for help in clearing his name and stopping Blake once and for all.
| Denzel Washington | Nick Styles |
| John Lithgow | Earl Talbott Blake |
| Ice-T | Odessa |
| Kevin Pollak | Det. Larry Doyle |
| Lindsay Wagner | D.A. Priscilla Brimleigh |
| Mary Ellen Trainor | Gail Wallens |
| Josh Evans | Kim |
| Victoria Dillard | Alice Styles |
| John Amos | Rev. Styles |
| John Cothran Jr. | Farris |
| Linda Dona | Wanda |
| Matt Landers | Chief David Floyd |
| Lydell M. Cheshier | R.C. |
| Starletta DuPois | Mrs. Styles |
| Sherman Howard | Kiley |
| Russell Mulcahy |
5.70 out of 10 (3959 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Motion Picture Association of America Film Rating System
posted on 24 Aug 2009If there is an adult reading this particular comment please be advised though adults we are,it can be assumed that the ability to determine right from wrong is as well the difference in being able to determine how suitable this motion picture is for viewing.This film is not for a young audience and even more so it is so impure in its address of issues it may very well deserve a stricter consideration other than merely "R" as in Restricted.The wording of such a rated film says the following,"May contain very strong or sexual language,strong explicit nudity,strong violence and gore,or strong drug content".I would of preferred that this film was given a NC-17 rating due to the very disturbing assumptions placing children in harms way.It is a very perverse offering and should not be viewed by younger persons at least any younger than 17 years of age.Though the controversy here is not in the rated category,that category being"Restricted", The contoversy here is that perhaps there is to much of a certain element present whereby this type of consideration is encouraged.There should not be any attempt expressed or otherwise that would allow this perverse intent to breathe,a NC-17 rating would of accomplished that.It is that there is too often politics that make for the allowances of such as this particular motion picture provides for in both its content as well as in its not being more strictly defined.That being said it is only rated "Restricted".If there was a "0" value available I would of given this particular motion picture a zero value as it represents a worthless offering.I would rather not know of its existence however as I suggested I think there was some Hollywood politics that allowed this kind of assault to occur.The assault is that this film was rated "R" and not NC-17.The following is being provided as a reference as it pertains to the Motion Picture Association of America film rating system.There are two web sites that I will provide there URL addresses so that a better perhaps understanding of the Rating System can occur. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPAA_film_rating_system and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motion_picture_rating_system There is but one final note. This is not in any way to be assumed that these referred to web sites nor in fact is this review itself to be so construed as providing any consent nor any willfil participation in this motion picture, in its meaning,value or intent.This is a hands off motion picture.It may very well serve notice as to be a threat.
Surprisingly Entertaining
posted on 01 Aug 2009Couldn't believe that this was the same John Lithgow who starred in "Third Rock From the Sun", an hilarious comedy that ran for a few years on NBC. John plays the ultimate bad guy seeking twisted revenge for being stopped in his tracks by Denzel's character.
Wasn't expecting much, but this movie was surprisingly entertaining. Yes, it was a little violent, and some parts were a tad unbelievable, but overall, Denzel and John were worthy antagonists. Boy, Denzel sure was gorgeous!! Still is.
Waste of Good Actors
posted on 31 Jul 2009The idea of exacting revenge through destroying the other's world is fascinating, but this movie just doesn't pull it off. It's not the cast's fault, because Washington and Lithgow make the best of what they're given. The movie also avoids the racial issues that most certainly would come into play, and be played up by the media, if this was the real world. See this movie only if you want to see Lithgow with a scowl as opposed to his "3rd Rock" demeanor.
Unusual Action Film benefits from Sharp Performances.
posted on 01 Jul 2009Rookie Cop (Two Time Oscar-Winner:Denzel Washington) has come a long way from the tough streets of L.A., Nick's life changed forever when he becomes a celebrity. When he stopped a ruthless psychotic killer by the name of Blake (John Lithgow). Nick becomes a media sensation, when it was captured on video by a bystander. Nick's career takes off as a lawyer, while the criminal is behind bars. Seven years has passed... Nick never realize that Blake is being planning the perfect plan of intimidation, public humiliation and murder. Nick has no choice to ask for help, when he ask his old friend (Ice T). Which his old friend has become a Street Hustler while dealing drugs and stealing cars at the same time. Together with the help of another friend (Kevin Pollak) to set a trap for Blake.Directed by Russell Mulcahy (Highlander, Resurrection, The Shadow) made an entertaining, lurid, action/thriller. This film is also campy at times, especially for this interesting premise. Lithgow offers a scene stealing performance as the villain, which he is entertaining. Mulcahy even manages to give a Highlander homage in a scene. Victoria Dollard (T.V.'s Spin City) also co-star in the film as Nick's wife.DVD has an sharp non-anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an terrific-Dolby 2.0 Surround Sound. This film has never been a box office hit but it did become a cult hit on video and a television favorite. The film's only flaw is the silly conclusion but Mulcahy keeps things moving in the film. Do not miss this far-fetched but strong Action/Thriller. Screenplay by Steven E. de Souza (Beverly Hills Cop 3, Commando, Street Fighter). From a Story by Fred Dekker (Night of the Creeps) and Menno Meyjes (Max). Panavision. (****/*****).
Predictability sends Ricochet careening off track
posted on 08 Jun 2009Ricochet has enough visual style and slickness to make it deserving of big screen status. But somewhere during the proceedings, it careens off track and turns into a predictable cops and robbers yarn. Denzel Washington and John Lithgow emit enough enmity (and attitude) towards each other as the hero and villian respectively. However, Lithgow's plot to do in Washington is rather contrived and too complex to be pulled off as flawlessly as the movie has us believe. And Washington rebounds (ricochets, if you will) from it all in typical Hollywood fashion. Kevin Spacey does a nice job as Washington's wise-cracking partner, and it's nice to see Lindsey Wagner get a rare bigscreen nod as one of Washington's colleagues. But when the dust clears, Ricochet can't manage to shake some of the sulliness its predictability collects.
Ricochet
posted on 24 Jul 2008Drama starring Denzel Washington and John Lithgow. Nick Styles (Washington) is a rookie cop who captures the quite sadistic Earl Blake (Lithgow) in an unusual fashion. The publicity surrounding the arrest gets Styles and his partner promoted to deceive and within 2 years he becomes deputy DA. Blake however rots in jail attacking everyone and anything that gets in his way thinking about getting revenge on Styles. He soon escapes after some silly fighting in the prison (samurai style sword fights in what looks like the canteen, with books strapped to each other as protection) and sets up Styles in a true Hollywood way. Washington was the highlight of the film although Lithgow was truly over the top Hollywood bad guy.
Typical Washington Fare, Which Means Interesting
posted on 22 Jul 2008This is a typical Denzel Washington film: well-acted, rough language, a racial theme and an involved story that holds your interest. A lot of his movies fit those categories.
Washington plays a preacher's kid and its nice to see he has such respect for him.So many times, Hollywood portrays fathers and especially clergymen in a bad light. John Lithgow is the villain and is such a crazy over-the-top loon he's fun to watch. There are no lulls in this story, yet the action scenes weren't overdone.
It gets predictable in the end but I like the analogy in the film to the classic movie, "White Heat." I was sorry to see a few things: once again, white people are all the bigots; Lindsay Wagner, television's nice lady of the past, now using very profane language here and looking hard.
Overall, this sometimes looks like a "B" action film more than a classy one but it's still an interesting crime film that sports a few different angles. It may not be one of Washington's better-known efforts (less than 20 reviews here), but it is still entertaining.
Watch out for the ricochet
posted on 24 Jan 2008I dont know what other people were expecting. This was supposed to be a popcorn flick not a movie made to win oscars. The story is simple enough
Denzel Washington plays Nick Styles, a cop/attorney who busts a psychopath named Earl Talbot Blake(John Lithgow) at a drug ring gone sour. Earl Blake plots his revenge on Nick Styles in jail and escapes from prison. From then on, he systematically destroys Nick Styles life and has everyone questioning Nick's sanity.
The storyline is not bad and Denzel does a great job as usual. John Lithgow is perfect as Earl Blake and its probably his best role since the scared flight attendant in Twilight Zone: The Movie. His villain is a throwback in the days when villains were villains and not these craven new age geeks who tap on laptops and run from confrontation as far away as possible. Kevin Pollak is decent enough as Nick's partner Harry. Ice-T plays Odessa(and who the hell names a man Odessa?), the man who helps Nick Styles take down Blake. If you are looking for Oscar material you are definitely in the wrong place but if you are looking for a pretty good thriller it wouldnt hurt if you tried this.
Sadistic fun.
posted on 04 Apr 2007This is Russell Mulcahys best film along with the original Highlander. If you like your movies nasty and sadistic with some of the most gratuitous violence thrown on celluloid then give this film a try. John Lithgow is evil incarnate and is the best villain ever! This is a "bloke" film and requires lots of coke and spring-rolls to enjoy the experience! Park your brain at the door and be prepared for one of the most enjoyably nasty films of all time. Oh and Denzel Washington is in it too, but he is rather forgettable. It almost seems like Denzel had no idea what movie he was starring in. He probably thought it was some serious serial killer movie like Silence of the Lambs, but it turned out to be much more fun.
The very definition of Routine Thriller.
posted on 17 Mar 2007Denzel Washington is a prosperous, respected, happily married DA. John Lithgow is a prisoner whom Washington sent up the river years ago. Lithgow and a friend escape, murdering everyone in their path. Lithgow fakes his own death. Everyone now believes him to be a harmless corpse, but ha ha, he moves around lithely in his ghostly world (where does he get his money?) and devotes himself to making Washington's life miserable. Not KILLING Washington, but ruining his life forever, a la Robert Mitchum and Gregory Peck in "Cape Fear," only worse.His frame-up of Washington is really devilishly skillful. He conks the unsuspecting DA on the head, take him to an empty swimming pool at an empty club, drugs him into near insensibility, and videotapes him having sex with some bimbo who, as it later turns out, is also giving him the clap.Washington finally wakes up to find himself in rags amongst a community of homeless people. WELL! Nobody believes his story of course. They keep telling him things like, "Denzel -- John Lithgow is dead." Blood work reveals both cocaine and heroin in his system of course. The investigating authorities also find a collection of planted kiddie porn in his possession. And the video tape of his sitting on a bed while some white gal does a cowboy on him turns up in the hands of the authorities too, with dialog altered so that Washington, instead of being half dead from drugs, appears to be saying, "You're going to do exactly what I tell you," and the babe answers, "Anything you say, dumpling," or something like that. The tape turns his wife off. The dose of clap doesn't help either.You see, the problem is that no one believes him -- not his bosses, not his family, nobody except his closest friend at the office, a short and pasty white guy who incarnates the concept of "impotence." Speaking of that, how did that hooker manage to give the sleeping drugged-out Washington a dose? Well, never mind. When Washington takes the legal authorities to the club with the empty swimming pool, he finds himself in one of those scenes where things have been changed around so that they seem perfectly normal. His colleagues make snotty remarks. The scene might have been lifted from a dozen other movies, maybe most famously "North by Northwest." Lithgow shoots the best friend and throws the pistol to Washington, who catches it in his bare hands so his fingerprints are all over it. All of this shows up in the most sensationalized fashion in the press. After the murder of his friend, Washington is suspended, though here, as elsewhere, the plot has a bit of a hole in it since nobody could possibly come up with a motive for Washington's killing the only friend he has.Washington, harassed and hated by the law, driven half nuts by Lithgow, turns to the homies in the neighborhood where he grew up. They take care of his family and help him lure Lithgow to the Watts Towers where the dramatic finale takes place with the expectable dramatic results.Here's another example of a stupid plot device. Just before the confrontation at the Towers, Washington has drawn all the media and the cops to a block where he is standing on the roof, doing nutty things like putting on makeup for the cameras, and threatening to blow himself up. All this appears on live TV and Lithgow, aghast at the prospect of losing the mouse he's been toying with, shows up at the scene. Someone taps him on the shoulder and tells him, "Mister Blake? Phone call for you." Lithgow seems puzzled at being recognized but goes to the phone anyway, where an anonymous caller tells him to go to the Watts Towers, without giving him any reason to do so. Lithgow, who has shown all sorts of brains until now, does exactly as he's asked. The holes? Lithgow would never have shown up at the scene in the first place. How could he possibly stop Washington from jumping off a fourteen-story building? Why would he risk revealing his existence in front of a horde of police and frenetic media? Two -- instead of answering the phone, anyone with brains would deny being the dead Mr. Blake and walk away. Three -- follow directions and go to the Watts Towers? Why? There is plenty of action for action fans. Cars do stunts. People get electrocuted and shot. Buildings explode. People live in a Biblical world of pure good and pure evil. If that's what you're looking for you'll find it here.Washington should never have put himself into this movie though. He's a decent actor but absolutely NOBODY could bring off the several scenes in which he tries to explain the nature of the frame and instead sounds like a raving lunatic, stuttering out gibberish worthy of a schizophrenic's word salad. It's already been done to death. (Watch Jack Lemon try to explain why he's holding the nuclear power plant at gunpoint, while SWAT is banging on the locked door in "The China Syndrome".) There's another element that some might find unsettling too. In the end, you can only trust your own people. There are four classes of white people. The purely evil Lithgow, the dutiful but dumb legal colleagues who don't like him from the beginning, the good friend who is only there to be killed, and a collection of Nazi wannabees and the Aryan Brotherhood in prison.The homies we meet are cynical but they believe Washington. They are street people but they protect his family, help him carry out his scam, prevent the police from ruining the revelatory climax, and they're clever as hell at what they do.Want to see somebody get an electric shock atop the Watts Towers? Watch this.
Ricochet
posted on 11 Mar 2007Impressive plot and story for a suspense-thriller, but poorly executed, mostly by Washington, who goes beyond the annals of overacting to play egotistical Nicholas Styles, once a policeman who made it big by putting away hit man Blake, played by John Lithgow. Lithgow adds his usual menace to these kinds of roles and remains the most exciting performer in the whole picture.
Exhilirating
posted on 29 Jan 2007This is a brilliantly scripted and acted action-suspense-thriller. Some scenes are extra-violent, with one prison guard having his torso carved in half with a power tool during a break-out; in another scene, the chief villain is sent flying off a tower and ends up pinned like a beetle on a pole. The first half is undoubtedly the best, with its tense and absorbing psychological battle between Earl Blake (John Lithgow) and Nick Styles (Denzel Washington) the smart, wise-cracking cop who put him away, and who then turns succesful District Attorney. It is Styles's success that Blake venomously grudges and so he hatches an elaborate and devious plan from out of prison to destroy Styles. The second half of the film is characterised by implausibility and anti-climax. But on the whole, the dialogue is above the average and the action has a hard-trimmed, gritty quality about it.
****SPOILERS**** The filmmakers can richochet this one off their heads; then maybe they'll realize what a bad idea it was...
posted on 01 Jan 2007********SPOILERS*******There is one serious problem with "Richochet." It is not good.I say this with tongue-in-cheek, because one of the fundamental rules of being a film reviewer is to never say that you do not like a film, but rather why you do not like a film. The problem with "Richochet" is that I just don't like it, and I can't always tell why. Perhaps because it is made up of recycled film cliches that got old the millionth time they circled around as something fresh. I may never know. But I'd rather not know than sit through "Ricochet" again.The film opens with an establishing shot. What does it establish? Pretty much nothing, but here's what I gather. It sets up star Denzel Washington as a rookie patrolmen, Nick Styles, at a small fair. He stops madman Earl Talbot Blake (John Lithgow) from killing a hostage, by shredding off his clothes. A reason for women to see the film? Probably.An amateur photographer videotapes the dramatic collar and sells the tape to a Los Angeles television station, and they become interested in Styles.Seven years later, Styles is a happily married assistant district attorney well positioned to enter the local political arena. He is the father of two, and his newest project in mind is focused on building a children's center under the Watts Towers. (Cliche no. 1: Set up good guy as a good, nice guy.) In the meantime, Blake (Lithgow) has been growing progressively more loony in prison, where he has joined an Aryan pride group. Here's the catch: He's not racist. He's just trying to get out of prison with a fiendish plot. Once out, he drops the White Ones and fakes his death, so that he can commit himself full time to making Styles' life a living (beep)."Ricochet" borrows and borrows and borrows and borrows, and after that, it borrows some more. Here is a more complete List 'o Cliches:1. Bad Guy gets locked up in jail by Good Guy and plans revenge.2. Good guy has good life until Bad Guy comes back into the picture.3. Bad Guy sets Good Guy up for something he didn't do (in this case, sleeping with a prostitute), and Good Guy fights back by getting Drug-Sniffin' Drug Lord to help him. 4. Showdown on top of a multi-story building, in which Good Guy is about to die when Drug Guy comes to the rescue with his band of Cool Dawgs.5. Happy, sappy, predictable ending, resulting in Bad Guy's death.That sums the film up. You're probably thinking that there has to be more to it, but in all honesty, everything else in it is a bunch of borrowed cliches, too. All underlying tidbits are borrowed flaws; cliches that worked the first or second time around, but don't work the millionth time.I love Denzel Washington. I think he's a great actor, and I always enjoy his performances.I love John Lithgow's screen presence as a villian. And y'know what? I must say it worked here. There were some scenes where I was held in awe with a sick feeling in my stomach (the scene with Lithgow and Washington's daughter). But other than the two main actors being good, the film fails on most levels. And, furthermore, the actors themselves didn't seem to strike any sense of chemistry between each other, which is essential for a film like this, even if they are enemies."Ricochet" comes off with mixed credentials in that it's directed by Russell Mulcahy, the man held responsible for "Highlander," and written by Steven E. de Souza, who wrote the screenplays for "48 Hrs.," the "Die Hard" films, "The Running Man" and "Commando." So what, exactly, went wrong here?Well, here's what I put together.The cop-buddy bit with Denzel and Kevin Pollack is borrowed from "48 Hrs." The battle between Lithgow and Washington (which ends in a battle on a tower) comes straight from "Die Hard," while the idea of a man taking on an army of disbelievers, or bad guys, is ripped-off of "Commando." I wonder if Steven realized he was ripping-off his own work so much while he wrote this script.1.5/5 stars -John Ulmer
Blake ricochets out of prison and into Styles' face.
posted on 05 Dec 2006This is an effective thriller marred by slight preposterousness. The story of a beat cop who rises to fame by means of media blitz after the capture of a psychopath who fakes his own death and uses that same media machine in an attempt to discredit and destroy his captor. It is a great story. Both the script, by Fred Dekker(House, The Monster Squad) and the score, by Alan Silvestri(Back To The Future, Predator) are solid. Unfortunately, Russell Mulcahy(Highlander) adds some weird moments, like a bar with nude midget and fatty, for no apparent reason. The scenes with Lithgow electrify the movie, although this movie is merely a warm-up for Cliffhanger. His range, outlined by an impressive filmography, is impeccable. Denzel Washington gives an early show of the charisma that would make him a star. Kevin Pollak, Ice-T, Lindsay Wagner, Mary Ellen Trainor, Sharman Howard, Viveka Davis, Jesse Ventura, and Miguel Sandoval bring depth to their smaller roles. This movie also features some violent and explicit scenes that make it genuinely disturbing even after fourteen years. There is a wit in the script that keeps the filth from being overwhelming.
awesome
posted on 21 Sep 2006This movie rocks! The double cat-and-mouse game played by Washington and Lithgow works. If you are looking for an action movie that provides plenty of thrills, conflicts, drama, chases, and breathtaking suspenses and actually has a PLOT, then this film is for you.Washington and Lithgow are both first rate, as always, and this movie does not disappoint. Watch it!*** out of ****
A lot of style, little substance.
posted on 09 Sep 2006Russel Mulcahy's Ricochet is a stylistic journey thru one man's worst nightmares. This movie has a ton of style and some very good performances. Denzel Washington's performance is very well done and Ice-T has some very nice moments as well. This movie belongs, however, to John Lithgow. Lithgow is the kind of actor that can do anything. He is very intimidating in this movie, even if more than once he goes over the top. The cinematography by Peter Levy is fantastic and Alan Silvestri's score has its moments. The movie's weakness is the story. It is just a typical revenge picture and the climax seems lifted from a horror picture. There is a lot of talent in this movie but the script by Steven E. de Souza is very weak. I would say check it out for the performances, especially Lithgow, and cinematography, but don't expect to get knocked out by originality cause this film doesn't have it.
One of the worst movies I have ever seen.
posted on 10 Aug 2006The characters have absolutely no depth, the good guy too good, the bad guys too bad, nothing to make them anything more than cartoon characters, and every performance was overacted.I rented this with a group of people and I think it cost us about 50 cents a piece.. and I still wanted my money back.Horrible
Standard, But Engrossing Washington Action Film
posted on 27 Jul 2006Ricochet is a pretty basic action, but it keeps you interested with great performances by Denzel Washington as the besieged hero and John Lithgow (completely over-the-top performance) as the despicable villain.
Washington starts off the movie as a beat cop who runs across criminal Lithgow and apprehends him. Next, we flash forward years later where Washington is the DA, having made his career off of the Lithgow bust. And Lithgow escapes from prison, and is ready for revenge...
Everyone performs well, even though you have to believe they realized how silly the movie is, but you are able to go with the flow and suspend disbelief enough to enjoy the proceedings. This is just a fun action flick. No need to make it any more than what it is.
Over the top
posted on 08 Jun 2006Fairly good cast get together for this over the top, unrealistic, cliche ridden and forgettable film. I found myself laughing a lot during this movie, it includes some of the most pathetic one liners i have ever heard. Lithgow goes completely over the top as the psycho. Denzel is just as vain as he always is and Ice-T 's tough factor flushes down the toilet every time he opens his mouth. Its hard to believe this film was only made in 1991, I thought they stopped making this B grade rubbish in the early-mid 80's. If you dont look at this film seriously, maybe you will get a few laughs out of it like I did.
Zero Star
posted on 28 Aug 2009First off, Denzel is the man. No debate there. But this film is flat out one of the worst movies I've seen. Macro Micro of SF pretty much nailed the review, no need to repeat the points. As if the film were not laughably bad enough, we're left with the prospect of the scary reviews on this page. I was hoping that those stars and raves were offered in sarcasm, but I'm not convinced we're that lucky, instead we are left with the solemn thought that these are likely the original and earnest thoughts of the authors. Someday these people might be serving on your jury.
Thought. Were these reviewers fibbing when they checked the "I am over the age of 13" box required by this website?
Denzel, your still the man. Word.