The Ricochet Reviewer: Books, Movies, and Comics

Writer: Bill Mantlo Artist: John Byrne Inker: Bob Layton The Champions join Black Goliath in battling one of the more impractical Marvel supervillains, who becomes even less of a threat when Darkstar destroys his deadly Z-ray. Yeah, I’m with Ghost Rider; I don’t see the Stilt-Man holding off a heavy hitter like Hercules, much less a team of which Herc is only one member. Maybe Johnny Blaze has a shot. After Goliath and the Stilt-Man lumber off to continue their fight mano-a-mano, the Champs consult with their visitor about the strange box she is carrying, only to be accosted by a new menace. They battle the Stranger, who says that the mysterious box is a devastating weapon of his own design from which he wants to save the Earth--a claim that is disbelieved by the team. Mantlo seems to be delivering a heavy-handed message about the destructive nature of mistrust and failure to cooperate, as shown by his comically dysfunctional heroes.  On the other hand, though, why should they beli...

Writer / Director: Masayuki Suo Stars: Koji Yakusho, Tamiyo Kusakari, Naoto Takenaka, Eri Watanabe, Yu Tokui, Hiromasa Taguchi, Reiko Kusamura, Hideko Hara, Hiroshi Miyasaka A tired salaryman (Koji Yakusho), oppressed by the burden of overwork necessary to support his family and pay his mortgage, rekindles his joy for life through dancing lessons and the lovable eccentrics he meets there.  The hook that draws him in is a mysterious, beautiful woman (Tamiyo Kusakari) who gazes sadly out the window of the dance studio each evening.  This Japanese film inspired an American remake with Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez.  That film has its own charms, but this story really works better in its original context.  The overworked, suffocating salaryman living his life of quiet desperation is a familiar figure to the Japanese, whose preoccupation with respectability and conformity can weigh heavily on those seeking professional acceptance and success.  As his initial attrac...