Equalizer Review

The mysterious and secretive Robert McCall (played by Denzel Washington) has been trying to turn over a new leaf and lead a quiet, boring, and ordinary life. But that proves to be impossible for a man with his past. Everything changes when he meets Teri (played by Chloë Grace Moretz), a teen who appears to be a prostitute that has close ties to a violent Russian gang. After she gets into serious and life-threatening trouble, McCall has no choice but to get involved. As a highly trained former military op, McCall calls upon those skills to dish out his own bran of vigilante justice against true evil.

Even with his already illustrious career, Denzel Washington certainly doesn’t seem to be slowing down. He proves that age is nothing but a number in this action flick.

I do have to admit that upon seeing the trailers for this it sort of felt like Denzel was saying, “Liam Neeson, I see your Taken and I raise you Equalizer.” That doesn’t mean the fun can’t go around for aging movie stars to kick butt though. I find it refreshing sometimes. Sure, the hulking action heroes are nice too, but I stick to the notion that variety is the spice of life.

Chloë Grace Moretz is growing up before our very eyes on the big screen. This is likely her heaviest role to date. Watching her as a little girl acting made this even harder to see, so I think casting was well done because I was instantly sympathetic.

Since the comparison to Taken is unavoidable, I thought Equalizer was more graphic and grittier. The action sequences and choreography were more over the top for me but effective nevertheless. One good thing with that comparison is that Taken has spawned sequels. Though the second one wasn’t as good as the first one, a franchise is still a franchise. Equalizer certainly has that potential and it sells itself on Washington’s name along. I feel as if a sequel would be better crafted. It has the advantage of not needing to continuously revolve about Robert McCall’s family to make it feel like a rehash.

Overall: This film doesn’t try to be more than it is. Based on the trailer you more or less know what you’re getting so Washington fans should enjoy watching him bring intensity to the mix in a way that only he can do. Action fans shouldn’t be disappointed as I feel it lives up to its R-Rating.

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