On the surface Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) is an ordinary citizen working at a hardware store, leading a solitary life, but doing his best to help those around him. He is intelligent, educated and well liked by his work colleagues. Due to a sleeping disorder he spends his nights reading books at a late night diner. When a young prostitute he befriends there is put into intensive care by the Russian mafia, he takes matters into his own hands.
We soon learn McCall is not what he appears to be when his actions plunge him into a world of violence and crime. He uses his unique skills as a former intelligence operative to take on the Russian mob, corrupt cops, and protect the innocent. Things soon escalate when ‘Teddy’ (Marton Csokas) appears on the scene to deal with McCall on behalf of the mob. A cat-and-mouse game of hunt and be hunted rapidly unfolds between the two, leading to a showdown of epic proportions.
The acting in “The Equalizer” is world class and much of the film’s appeal comes from the lead cast. Denzel Washington is a powerhouse of raw talent and charisma. He gives a performance with gravitas, weight, and meaning. There are very few actors who can fill the screen with their sheer presence and make it look effortless, but Denzel is one of them. Robert McCall is a character with complexity and depth. He’s complicated and more than just an action hero without purpose; Denzel brings a richness and quality to the role that truly brings it to life.
The supporting stars Chloë Grace Moretz as Teri and Johnny Skourtis as Ralphie who are both equally masterful in their respective roles. Their interplay with McCall helps enrich the story all while adding emotional depth to the film. These characters contrast well with Teddy, a Russian enforcer who steps in to sort out the mess McCall has made. He’s ruthless, psychotic, and a force to be reckoned with. Marton Csokas oozes with menace in the role and plays the part well. Finally Masters (David Harbour) represents the ‘everyman’ in the story. He’s the good cop turned bad cop who finds a little bit of redemption (even if he is forced into it) and explores how the choices we make impact our life. Casting director’s Lindsay Graham and Mary Vernieu clearly did an excellent job finding the right people to fit the roles.
The script by Richard Wenk is incredibly well-crafted. Too many action films throw away plot and character development for meaningless action but “The Equalizer” artfully avoids this. Each of the scenes keep the audience engaged while driving the plot forward, and there are very few lines wasted. Wenk has created an intelligent piece of work rich with metaphor, and his words have been brought to live magnificently by Director Antoine Fuqua. There are a number of gripping scenes where the performers get to flex their acting muscles, and the fast-paced exchange of dialogue is riveting.
Likewise the action sequences are fantastic. Each of the characters has their own unique fighting style tailored to them, which helps keeps the choreography fresh and adds to the overall enjoyment factor of the film. The only obvious criticism of the movie is when we learn what motivates Teddy to do the work he does (and go to such extreme acts of violence) that it just doesn’t feel like enough. The story would have benefited from a different angle here or perhaps a deeper exploration of his backstory.
“The Equalizer” is an intelligent film with the ability to appeal to fans of multiple genres. The ending culminates in over thirty minutes of intense, explosive action that has you gripping the edge of your seat and wanting more. The movie boasts an incredible cast, with great performances all round and is a must see for anyone wanting to be entertained. This isn’t just another action movie; it’s a piece of drama with a compelling story that happens to be accompanied by a number of excellent action sequences. Everything from the shooting style to the music used is exemplary.
