by Jeffery Rahming, Contributing Writer
It’s not common for an actor to get their first action franchise at 60 years old, but for Denzel Washington, the Equalizer franchise has been a late-career success. Loosely based on the ‘80s TV show, the series follows Washington as an ex-military vigilante Robert McCall, who uses his nigh psychopathic murderous tendencies for good. This time, instead of defending his local neighborhood, a personal mission leads him to Italy. What was supposed to be a short trip becomes an extended sabbatical when he gets wounded in a fight. He enjoys recovering in the idyllic town of Altomonte until he notices some Italian gangsters harass the townspeople. Not willing to ignore people in need, McCall sets out to take out the criminal organization one kill at a time.
The best part about The Equalizer 3 is the best part of any of Washington’s movies: the man himself. His reputation as one of the greatest actors of all time is deserved, and just his being on screen elevates the film. Specifically in this franchise, his ability to switch between a kindly old man and a stone-faced killer makes for a fascinating character. The Equalizer battles like an older, scarier John Wick, easily dispatching his enemies (victims would be a more accurate description) with bone-crunching precision. Often, the fight scenes feel like something you’d see in a slasher film, except this time, the serial killer is the good guy. And just like a slasher, the kills are visceral and brutal. The film does not shy away from the gore, and some of the deaths are so horrifying you almost feel bad for the bad guys. Almost.
Director Antoine Fuqua is a prolific action director, and that experience really shows here. Besides the great combat, he takes a risk by utilizing a slower pace than most action movies. Many use a foreign location as a generic backdrop, but Fuqua takes the time to give the townspeople an authentic sense of culture and community. While it makes for a more leisurely experience than expected, it allows the audience to fall in love with this setting. The whole thing could double as a convincing travel advertisement for southern Italy. It also helps that the cinematography looks absolutely beautiful, with three-time Academy Award winner Robert Richardson behind the lens.
If this installment has any weak point, it’s the subplot with Dakota Fanning and David Denman as CIA agents whom McCall contacts to help bust the crime operation. It’s not that they’re bad characters, as much as they feel arbitrary. The story could’ve gone without them, and there would hardly be a difference. But even that’s just a nitpick. Overall, The Equalizer 3 is a solid action flick made by veterans in their craft. If you’re a fan of the series, or just in the mood for intense, R-rated action, this will be a fun watch to finish off the summer.
Rating: Liked it
The Equalizer 3 is currently playing in theaters
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