Rating: ★★★1/2☆ (3.5/5 stars)
Released 09-26-2014
Watched 10-07-2023
Reviewed 10-09-2023
Watched on Hulu
"I am offering you a chance to do the right thing. Take it."
"The Equalizer," directed by Antoine Fuqua and led by the charismatic Denzel Washington, presents a take on the vigilante genre with a twist. As Robert McCall, Washington brings to life a character who takes up the cause of justice not out of deep personal vendetta but initially due to a rather minimal connection with those he seeks to protect. This departure from the typical revenge-driven narrative is intriguing yet somewhat puzzling.
While the film offers an array of exciting action sequences, the very foundation of McCall's involvement can feel tenuous. The catalyst – a brief friendship with a young girl in trouble – might seem insufficient to some to spark such a drastic and violent response from a man like McCall. It raises questions about the depth and nature of human connections, but the movie doesn't necessarily delve deep into these themes, missing an opportunity for richer character development.
On the technical front, with its top-notch cinematography and moody production design, the movie provides a gripping backdrop. However, the primary motivation of the protagonist could have been fleshed out more to provide a more compelling narrative.
In essence, "The Equalizer" provides thrills and a fresh perspective on what drives a man to become a vigilante, but it might leave some viewers yearning for a deeper exploration of McCall's motivations. It's worth a watch, but it may not resonate deeply with everyone.
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