Ricochet Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Cop catches bad guy, bad guy gets mad, cop’s life becomes a chaotic descent into madness involving drugs, hookers, and the Watts Towers, all because the bad guy just *really* hates him.

🍿 Ricochet: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Cop’s Rise and a Criminal’s Fall

The film introduces Nick Styles, a rookie cop who apprehends Earl Talbot Blake during a street fair confrontation. This event, captured on video, catapults Styles to fame and sets him on a path to becoming a successful Assistant District Attorney. Simultaneously, Blake’s capture marks the beginning of his descent into prison and a festering desire for revenge.

Seven Years Later: Revenge Takes Shape

Seven years pass, and Blake orchestrates a daring escape from prison, faking his own death to conceal his return. He begins a meticulous campaign to dismantle Styles’ life, targeting his career, reputation, and family. This section highlights Blake’s elaborate schemes and the initial stages of his revenge plot.

The Downward Spiral

Blake’s plan intensifies as he manipulates events to make Styles appear unstable and corrupt. He drugs Styles, films him in compromising situations, and plants evidence to incriminate him in various crimes. This leads to Styles’ suspension and alienation from his family and colleagues.

Desperate Measures and a Final Showdown

With his life in ruins, Styles turns to his old friend Odessa, a gang leader, for help. Together, they devise a plan to expose Blake and clear Styles’ name. The climax takes place at the Watts Towers, where Styles confronts Blake in a final, electrifying battle.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Nick Styles (Denzel Washington): A rising star in law enforcement, Styles becomes the target of a vengeful criminal he once apprehended.
• Earl Talbot Blake (John Lithgow): A psychopathic criminal, Blake orchestrates an elaborate plan to destroy Nick Styles’ life and career after being imprisoned by him.
• Odessa (Ice-T): Nick’s childhood friend who becomes a drug kingpin and helps him clear his name.
• Larry Doyle (Kevin Pollak): Nick’s loyal partner and friend, who assists him in uncovering Blake’s plot.
• Alice Styles (Victoria Dillard): Nick’s wife, whose trust is tested as Blake’s machinations unfold.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Blake: “Well, I guess, Mr. Chairman, that first I’ll pay a visit to your house… to fuck your wife. And your daughter. Hell, maybe even your dog.” – Blake’s shocking response to the parole board when asked what he plans to do if released.
• Blake: “You know, Nick, I made you. You were just another black face in a blue uniform.” – Blake’s twisted justification for his revenge, claiming he is responsible for Styles’ success.
• Nick Styles: “He’s not after my life, he’s after my career.” – Styles realizing Blake’s intent is to destroy his reputation and life, not just kill him.
• Odessa: “Man, you used to be bad! Now you just sad.” – Odessa commenting on Nick’s weakened state after being drugged and framed by Blake.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $21,756,163
• Worldwide Gross: $21,756,163

💥 Ricochet Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so Ricochet is *crazy*. But in the best way! John Lithgow is terrifying, and Denzel Washington is so cool even when his life is falling apart. I remember watching this as a teenager and being completely hooked. The whole thing with the drugs and the hooker scene was wild and still remember how uncomfortable it made me feel, but it added to the movie.The ending at the Watts Towers is iconic; I mean, come on! Definitely a guilty pleasure.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Denzel Washington and John Lithgow”
  • “Viewers who enjoy intense crime thrillers”
  • “Audiences interested in stories of revenge and redemption”
  • “Those who appreciate films with twists and turns”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong violence”
  • “Sensuality and implied sexual assault”
  • “Profanity”
  • “Drug content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Ricochet is a wild ride, propelled by the intense performances of Washington and Lithgow. While the plot stretches credulity, the sheer energy and escalating stakes make it a captivating thriller. The film doesn’t shy away from its darker themes, delivering a suspenseful experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “While Ricochet showcases the talents of Denzel Washington and John Lithgow, its over-the-top plot and reliance on action clichés prevent it from reaching its full potential. Lithgow’s villain is effectively menacing, but the story’s outlandish turns diminish the impact.
• AllMovie: “Ricochet delivers a high-octane thriller experience. Mulcahy’s direction keeps the pacing brisk, and the performances are strong. It’s a stylish action film with a memorable villain, even if the plot requires some suspension of disbelief.

Audience Reactions

Lithgow’s performance as the villain is unforgettable and truly terrifying.: Viewers consistently praise John Lithgow’s portrayal of Earl Talbot Blake as one of cinema’s most menacing villains.

The intense action sequences and the constant twists kept me on the edge of my seat.: Many found the film to be a thrilling and suspenseful ride with a non-stop pace.

Overall Consensus: Ricochet is a flawed but entertaining action thriller with strong performances, particularly from John Lithgow, whose villain steals the show; however, the outlandish plot can be divisive.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Denzel Washington trained extensively for the shirtless scenes, working out three hours a day, six days a week, for four months.”
• “The film features a cameo by Jesse Ventura, who has a brutal fight scene with John Lithgow in prison.”
• “Filming locations included Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles, used for the ‘Festival San Genero’ scenes and the initial confrontation between Styles and Blake.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ricochet?

Ricochet is available for streaming on various platforms. You can rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or satellite availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ricochet, you might like these similar films:

• Cape Fear (1991): Features a similar theme of a former convict seeking elaborate revenge on the lawyer who put him away.
• Falling Down (1993): Explores the theme of a man pushed to the edge, although in a more socially commentary-driven way.
• Die Hard (1988): Features a protagonist pushed to his limits in a high-stakes, action-packed scenario.
• Prisoners (2013): Deals with a similar level of desperation and moral compromise in the pursuit of justice and revenge.
• Death Wish (1974): A cult classic exploring the themes of revenge and justice after the system fails.

🛒 Ricochet Related Products

• Ricochet [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in high definition with improved audio and video quality, offering a modern viewing experience of this 90s classic.
• Denzel Washington: A Biography: Explore the life and career of Denzel Washington, including insights into his roles and his impact on Hollywood. Understand the context of Ricochet within his filmography.
• The Watts Towers Art Print: A beautiful art print of the Watts Towers, the iconic location of the film’s climax, perfect for displaying your love for the movie and its setting.
• Cliffhanger [Blu-ray]: Enjoy another Lithgow’s over-the-top bad guy. Both films written by Steven E. de Souza

🎧 Soundtrack

Ricochet features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Automatic” – performed by The Pointer Sisters
• “Ricochet (Original Motion Picture Score)” – performed by Alan Silvestri

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Just a ricochet.#movie #shorts

Wow, check out this intense action scene from Ricochet! It’s only a minute long, but it packs a serious punch. See if you can catch all the details!

Ricochet ~ Kick Ass Women of TV & Film ~ Heroines & Villains

Ever notice how awesome the female characters are in Ricochet? This video puts the spotlight on strong women in movies and TV, including Ricochet. See what makes them so amazing!

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