Terminal City Ricochet

Terminal City Ricochet, directed by Zale Dalen and released in 1990, is a dystopian sci-fi action film that reflects on the dark, tyrannical potential of the modern world. The movie casts Peter Breck, Germain Houde, and Jello Biafra in pivotal roles, and further features Joe Keithley and Mark Bennett.

Terminal City Ricochet revolves around Terminal City, a dystopian metropolis virtually ruled by an industrial-business tycoon, Ross Glimore (Peter Breck). Glimore, who is also the city's mayor, governs with an iron fist and maintains a stringent control over everything, including the media, law, and order, and even the day-to-day lives of the city's inhabitants. He exploits the media industry to propagate his self-glorifying agenda, leveraging fear to consolidate his political power. The media, under his dictatorial rule, disseminates messages of an apocalypse threat beyond the city's boundaries to keep the citizens within the confines of Terminal City, and, by extension, under his oppressive reign.

However, not everyone is ready to buy into Glimore's fabricated narratives and accept his autocracy. The story primarily follows Axel (Germain Houde), an auto mechanic, and his allies who aspire to overthrow Glimore's regime. Axel, a non-conformer, becomes a beacon of hope for those who have endured suppression but never dared to voice out their dissent. He is a representation of the quintessential 'everyman', fiercely grounded on principles of fairness, freedom, and truth. The plot unfolds as Axel, despite being entangled in a web of deceit and danger, braves the adverse circumstances and strives to dismantle Glimore's empire.

Jello Biafra, the famed punk rock icon and frontman of the band Dead Kennedys, impresses with his portrayal of Bruce Coddle, Glimore’s fellow capitalist. The parallel between Glimore and Coddle's characters underscores the message of the unchecked greed of corporate moguls and their willingness to exploit the masses for personal and political gain.

Terminal City Ricochet’s backdrop of music plays a significant role in the development of its narrative. A wealth of punk rock soundtracks feature in the film with the likes of D.O.A, The Beatnigs, and The Groovaholics contributing to these scores. These chunky, empowering soundtracks breathe life into the larger-than-life sequences, magnifying the intensity of each scene while also serving as the movie’s criticism of capitalist hegemony and deceit.

Aside from its fierce political commentary and stunning performances, the movie also offers a wealth of visual spectacle. The setting of the tyrant's city is masterfully depicted, drenched in stark monochromes, radiating the hopelessness and fear in the population. The cinematographic brilliance and steady camera work capture both the grim mood of Terminal City and the thorny path of Axel's rebellion effectively.

With its potent socio-political themes, Terminal City Ricochet serves as a satire on illusory democracy, media manipulation, and autocratic rule. The film uses its punk rock soul and its dystopian setting to draw attention to the legitimate alarms of a society on the brink of dominance and falsehood. At the same time, it is an adrenaline-packed thriller with remarkable performances and a gripping narrative line, making for an entertaining watch.

Peter Breck, a veteran actor known for his role in 'The Big Valley', owns the part of the malicious and cunning Ross Glimore. Houde's portrayal of Axel is impressive and does an excellent job of carrying the narrative on his shoulders. Jello Biafra, despite being more recognized for his music, turns in an interesting portrayal of a capitalist antagonist.

Terminal City Ricochet is an ideal film for audiences interested in a satire on contemporary socio-political issues, veiled under the thrilling veneer of an action film. Despite being released in the 90s, the film continues to expound on relevant themes, questioning unchecked power and propaganda, thus being relevant to this day. Its unique blend of musical energy and visual storytelling create an exciting viewing experience that leaves audiences captivated and thoughtful.