Ricochet (1991)

The crime flick Ricochet (1991) was initially written for the Dirty Harry (1971-1988) franchise, but Clint Eastwood passed on it because he felt the story was too grim. Since Hollywoodies know how to repurpose material, the movie was eventually made by changing the lead character’s name and casting Denzel Washington. As Assistant District Attorney Nick Styles, the handsome leading man finds himself in an impossible bind when he’s framed for murder by the killer he put behind bars years earlier. Yes, hitman Earl Talbott Blake (John Lithgow) is a vengeful dude. After plotting his revenge during a seven-year stint behind bars, he emerges with one thing on his mind: ruin the life and career of Styles. Whether Blake succeeds depends on the input from Lieutenant Larry Doyle (Kevin Pollak), District Attorney Priscilla “The Hun” Brimleigh (Lindsay Wagner), Public Defender Kiley (Sherman Howard), newscaster Gail Wallens (Mary Ellen Trainor), and Odessa (Ice-T). As you can guess, twists and turns abound — as does the skin on Mr. Washington. Granted, the ebony hunk doesn’t expose his junk, but he parades his pecs throughout the pic. In one scene, we can see his muscular physique in the locker room. In another, he runs outside in his undies. Not only does the gorgeous guy flash his abs, he shows off his guns as well as an actual gun. Needless to say, Denzel’s looks are killer! Although film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert gave the film two thumbs down, Mr. Man gives it one cock up!