The Equalizer Review
01/05/2019
The Equalizer is a brutal, straightforward story about a man who is thrust back into a world of violence. The main draws of the movie are the straightforward story that is very easy to follow, and the solid performance from Denzel Washington. The good guy is great, and the bad guys are terrible, and Robert McCall gives the audience exactly what they want. Antoine Fuqua stylishly directs, but the script does not provide for thrilling pacing. The director makes his mark on the movie, however, with his signature "tragedies" and dark color palette. The camera work delivers in the most exciting parts of the movie, but does not astound during the quieter parts of the film. Another complaint is the silly nature of the movie as it progresses, turning Denzel's character into more a superhero than a realistic vigilante. He is very human most of the film, and his heartfelt relationship with Chloë Grace Moretz' character is full of chemistry; unfortunately, it does not receive enough screen time. When the film hits its stride, it is an absolute blast to watch a man in a button down shirt and dad shoes efficiently and thoroughly maul gangsters in a gritty setting. It is predictable and straightforward, but nonetheless consistently entertaining. The Equalizer is almost an homage to simple vigilante movies of the past, and while not perfect, I still recommend it. If you want to see your dad mercilessly murder criminals, this is the movie for you. I give it a 6.3/10.