The Equalizer Review

Denzel Washington has a unique ability to elevate anything he’s in. You can usually bank on him raising a film by one mark on whichever scale you care to mention. He oozes quality and provides an assured presence. The story could be preposterous, but old Denzel will ground it and form a bond with the audience.

This is why I generally ‘love a bit of Denzel’.

Based on the 80’s TV series of the same name Robert McCall is a retired black ops specialist, attempting to live a more normal life. He’s a helpful, friendly chap who even plays on the work baseball team.

But he’s not one to stand idly by. So when those he knows end up in harms way, the skill set he developed over his career returns in full force. What does that remind you of?

If you said Taken…ding ding ding we have a winner! In many ways The Equalizer is highly reminiscent of Taken; an older guy taking down bad guys in an extremely non-compromising way. The main differences are that The Equalizer is nowhere near as taut in it’s storytelling, but far more graphic.

The film does a good job of showing us McCall’s life and introducing us to those around him. It clearly sets up his need to help people and gives strong reasons for why he would pick up that lifestyle again. Ultimately his drive to help is too strong, so when his skills are used…be prepared. Some of the violence is far more visceral than I expected to see. So if you’re on the squeamish side watch out.

Despite not being a long time it could have done with some flab removed from the middle. Though the ending seems very fitting for the character I couldn’t help but feel that it was slightly anti-climatic. It is Washington in slo-mo though, so it’s not all bad.

The Equalizer may not be high brow, but it is well directed and acted. Washington sprinkles some stardust onto what could have been an extremely average big screen adaptation. I’ll check out the inevitable sequel when it comes around.