Director: Antoine Fuqua
Starring: Denzel Washington, Martin Csokas, Chloe Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Haley Bennett, Melissa Leo, Bill Pullman, Johnny Skourtis
Running Time: 126 minutes
Certificate: 15
Fuqua and Washington once again rejoin forces following their unforgettable collaboration on TRAINING DAY, for this reinterpretation of the classic TV show of the same name. Only this time Washington is playing Mr. Nice Guy. Many TV adaptations fail in the way they try and pay homage to the original, so it is with great joy we can say that Fuqua has no intention of trying to offer fan service. Although the spirit is very much alive, THE EQUALIZER stands proud as an entirely separate entity.
Playing his calm and lovable self, Washington portrays Robert McCall, a man who lives a simple life free from nonsense or crippling responsibility. He’s far from the cold loner often associated with such films though, as we see him helping to train a wannabe security guard (Skourtis) and engage in caring small-talk with a local call-girl (Moretz). The role isn’t exactly a stretch for Washington, but it’s something he does so damn well. The character is also added quaint little nuances in the forms of OCD, as well as a heartbreaking back-story concerning his ex-wife that isn’t too schmaltzy or forced. The script, by Richard Wenk, is also smart enough to leave enough unsaid.
There’s a lot of male action orientated films out there, but recently they’ve been a bit subdued. the TAKEN franchise, and even classics such as DIE HARD, have become nothing more than bullet heavy actioners where wounds just don’t exist. THE EQUALIZER is short, sharp, and very brutal. Before an action sequence begins, McCall slows things down as he evaluates the scene, before using everything at his disposal to inflict pain and vengeance. He’s a man pushed to extremes, but always gives the villains a way out if they decide to mend their ways. Of course, none of them take such an offer, which makes it more fun for us.
THE EQUALIZER does exactly that, it balances out the sub-par action films of recent years. It feels good to be able to cringe at a fight scene again, without having to rely on Foreign cinema to prove the world of film still has balls. Washington’s likability makes it even more pleasurable, while Csokas is an intimidating powerhouse of a villain. Whether using his words or his fists, he is genuinely terrifying. We can only hope there will be more from THE EQUALIZER, and that both Fuqua and Washington return. Just try and ignore the awful UK DVD cover.
[usr=4] THE EQUALIZER is released on DVD and Blu-ray on 26th February.
