Ricochet (1991) Review

: Originally conceived as a Dirty Harry sequel, it was rejected for being too dark and violent. It features legendary "over-the-top" moments, including a sword fight with telephone books used as armor.

is an intense, "unhinged" urban action thriller that marks a unique, gritty chapter in Denzel Washington's early career. Directed by Russell Mulcahy ( Highlander ) and written by Steven E. de Souza ( Die Hard ), it’s a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse that pushes 90s action tropes to their absolute limits. The Plot: A Rise to Power vs. a Descent into Revenge Ricochet (1991)

: Earl Talbot Blake (John Lithgow) , the hitman Styles put away. Blake spends his years in prison obsessively plotting a brutal, well-calculated revenge to systematically dismantle Styles' life, reputation, and sanity. Why It’s a Cult Classic : Originally conceived as a Dirty Harry sequel,

: A young, athletic Denzel Washington displays the charisma that would eventually make him a superstar, while John Lithgow delivers a truly psychotic, scenery-chewing performance as the vengeful Blake. Directed by Russell Mulcahy ( Highlander ) and

: Nick Styles (Denzel Washington) , a cocky beat cop who becomes a media sensation after a daring public arrest of a dangerous hitman. Seven years later, he is a successful Assistant District Attorney with a perfect family and a bright political future.

: Featuring Ice-T as Odessa, a childhood friend turned gang leader who helps Styles fight back, the film captures the "tough urban thriller" aesthetic similar to New Jack City . Memorable Quotes