Ricochet, released in theaters on October 4, 1991, is an electrifying psychological thriller that pits Denzel Washington’s steadfast lawman against John Lithgow’s unhinged criminal mastermind, unspooling a tense game of vengeance and survival in the heart of Los Angeles.
Washington stars as Nick Styles, a young cop who gains fame and a rapid rise through the ranks after capturing the notorious hitman Earl Talbot Blake (Lithgow) at a crowded street fair.
Nick’s success launches him into a new life as a district attorney with a loving family and public admiration.
However, Blake, consumed by a thirst for revenge, spends years in prison plotting his return.
When he escapes, Blake doesn’t just seek retribution—he orchestrates a campaign to dismantle Nick’s life piece by piece, using everything from media manipulation to elaborate setups that threaten Nick’s career, relationships, and sanity.
As the law and his reputation crumble around him, Nick finds himself isolated and desperate.
Forced to operate outside the system he once trusted, he teams up with Odessa (Ice-T), a childhood friend from the streets, in a last-ditch effort to clear his name and bring Blake to justice.
With a supporting cast that includes Kevin Pollak, Lindsay Wagner, Miguel Sandoval, and Jesse Ventura, the film offers a darkly entertaining ride that never loses momentum.
Denzel Washington and Lindsay Wagner in Ricochet (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Performances and Tone
Washington anchors the film with controlled intensity, making Styles a hero audiences root for as his life unravels.
Lithgow delivers a gleefully terrifying villain, his performance balancing camp and menace to memorable effect.
The supporting cast, including Pollak’s loyal partner and Ice-T as the resourceful Odessa, rounds out the film’s crime-riddled world with humor and tension.
Director Russell Mulcahy’s energetic style, paired with a slick script, keeps up a fast pace and a sense of unpredictability throughout.
Reception for Ricochet
Ricochet grossed $4.8 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office behind The Fisher King, which earned $6.1 million on its third weekend.
The film would gross $21.8 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
Ricochet has earned cult status among action fans for its bold plot swings, explosive confrontations, and bravura performances.
The film stands out as an early showcase for Washington’s action credentials and cemented Lithgow’s reputation for scene-stealing villainy.
Its over-the-top thrills, twisted game of wits, and gritty atmosphere ensure Ricochet endures as a hidden gem in the era’s action-thriller canon
