R-Rated Thriller Based On TV Series Starts Best Cinematic Action Trilogy Ever, Leaving Netflix Soon
When it comes to listing some of the greatest Hollywood legends of our generation, Denzel Washington is certainly a must-have near the top. With his iconic performances ranging from playing the sleazy and ever-so-corrupt detective Alonzo Harris in Training Day to his moving portrayal of Private Trip in Glory, Washington has rightfully earned his place among acting royalty. While his performance as Robert McCall in The Equalizer might not have been considered award-worthy, he elevated the thriller based on the classic TV series to a whole other level, making it a must-watch on Netflix before it leaves the streaming service at the end of August.
Denzel Washington Is The Equalizer
Thinking about it, just about anything that Denzel Washington appears in could be considered a must-watch. This is probably why The Equalizer spawned not one but two sequels, making it one of the best cinematic action thrillers out there. With his electric screen presence and an ability to command any room that he walks into, it made perfect sense when Washington signed on for the film adaptation of the 1980s action-packed series.
Working With His Best Director
The two-time Oscar-winning actor teamed back up with frequent collaborator Antoine Fuqua, who directed Washington in Training Day. With a script penned by screenwriter Richard Wenk, The Equalizer follows Robert McCall (Washington), a former Marine and clandestine operative who is now living a peaceful and unassuming life as a retail associate at a home improvement store. But after McCall befriends Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young escort, his uneventful life as a retiree soon gets an unexpected and blood-pumping shake-up.
One Good Deed
When McCall discovers that Teri was put in the hospital by her abusive pimp, he decides to indulge in his old ways to confront the pimp, leading to a fiery battle and the pimp’s death. Unbeknownst to McCall, the pimp was actually a small cog in a large and ruthless crime syndicate machine. With the brutal syndicate enforcer Teddy (Marton Csokas) now hot on his heels and determined for revenge, McCall is forced to fend for his life and take on an entire army of criminals head-on.
One Of The Most Stylish Action Movies
With one of the coolest names for an action film currently on Netflix, The Equalizer always manages to impress me with how it is able to maintain a balance of both style and substance. Oscar-winning cinematographer Mauro Fiore is the perfect compliment to Fuqua’s vision for the stylish and violent action thriller. There are heaps of action set pieces throughout the film, and each one is filmed with a keen eye to turn every bullet (or nail) fired into a spectacle.
Leaving Netflix Soon
REVIEW SCORE
Not to be outdone, Washington’s portrayal of McCall acts as a much-needed contrast to the frenzied action that constantly flashes on screen. McCall always seems to be in danger throughout the film, but you never see him sweat or panic, even when the equally formidable and intimidating Teddy is out for his blood. He may be outnumbered, but he is never outmatched, which makes The Equalizer a great film to sit back and watch as Denzel Washington takes out scores of enemies in a unique and brutal fashion.
As a crowd-pleasing action thriller, The Equalizer excels in being a fun movie to turn on, grab a bag of popcorn, and enjoy before it is removed from the Netflix library on September 1.
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