“The Equalizer 3” Denzel’s Washington Character Protects His New Home
Reviewed by Joy Parris-The Equalizer 3 has been rated R by the Motion Picture Association for strong bloody violence and some language. In theaters nationwide on September 1, 2023.
Reviewed by Joy Parris -The Equalizer 3 directed by Antoine Fuqua, written by Richard Wenk, and starring Denzel Washinton opens in Theaters September 1st. Denzel Washington returns as the enigmatic and resourceful vigilante Robert McCall in “Equalizer 3,” the third installment of the action-packed franchise. This film delivers what fans of the series have come to expect – intense action sequences, and a sense of justice that transcends the law.
The story opens with a devastating scene of death and destruction with bodies spread all over a farm in Sicily. It’s a visual smorgasbord showcasing McCall’s killing skill and keeps you in anticipation for what’s to come. And when we finally get to McCall sitting calmly wiping blood off his hands it’s clear there will be no mercy for anyone about to oppose him. However, even with all the mayhem around him, he does not get what he came to collect. As he leaves he gets shot and struggles to get in his car but doesn’t make it very far when he is rescued by a local police officer Gio(Eugenio Mastrandrea) who takes him to get patched up by the kindly local doctor Enzo(Remo Girone).
With the typical Italian hospitality, he is nursed back to health in Enzo’s home. The locals embrace him as he slowly recuperates in the quaint coastal Italian coastal town.
Stay and Play at the historic La Casa del Camino hotel in Laguna Beach featuring just refreshed Spanish-style guest rooms with hand-carved furnishings and new amenities, a chill three-bedroom California Beach Bungalow, Stylish Surf Rooms, and the iconic Rooftop bar. With plenty of warm sunshine and cool libations, La Casa del Camino promises the quintessential Laguna Beach experience.
McCall begins to enjoy his newfound friends as he visits the local cafe to enjoy his daily tea drinking, making friends with the waitress Aminah(Gaia Scodellaro)strengthening his body, by climbing the town’s numerous steps. It’s a happy moment and there is a sense that he may have finally found a place to call home.
But things are not always what they seem and observing a shakedown of a shopkeeper by a local gang affiliated with the Camorra doesn’t sit well with McCall. The head of the Camorra led by Vincent(Andrea Scarduzio)wants to make the small coastal town into a mini Las Vegas to open hotels and Casinos- but his aggressive, hot-tempered little brother Marco(Andrea Quaranta)terrorizes the shopkeepers and beats up the local police. When they set fire to the fish shop it looks like the Camorra is connected to all the drugs and cash being processed through a vineyard, someone has to step in. And who better than the Equalizer to balance the scales?
He needs a bit of help so he calls a CIA financial analyst Emma(Dakota Fanning) with a few tips which at first she receives with skepticism. She is stubborn and no pushover and the chemistry works well between them. A few innuendos are made during their banter and keep you guessing but there is a nice reveal at the end.
The action sequences in “Equalizer 3” are nothing short of spectacular. Antoine Fuqua’s direction shines during these moments, with well-choreographed fights, intense shootouts, and McCall’s signature style of turning everyday objects into deadly weapons. The cinematography and editing create a palpable sense of tension, making each encounter feel genuinely perilous. However, at times I felt the mismatch of power between McCall and the villains but that did not hamper my enjoyment of the film. What sets “Equalizer 3” apart for me is its commitment to character development for McCall.The screenplay delves into McCall’s past and motivations, shedding light on the demons that drive him. This emotional depth adds a layer of complexity to the character, making the audience care about his journey beyond the action.
In conclusion, “Equalizer 3” is a satisfying addition to the franchise. It offers a combination of intense action and Denzel Washington’s personal growth as he gets older. While it may not reinvent the wheel in terms of storytelling, it delivers what fans of the series expect and does so with style. If you’re a fan of Washington’s portrayal of Robert McCall or simply enjoy adrenaline-pumping action films with a human touch, “Equalizer 3” is worth the watch.
Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
Written by: Richard Wenk/ Cinematographer: Robert Richardson, ASC AČK. The production designer is Naomi Shohan. The editor is Conrad Buff, ACE. Music by Marcelo Zarvos
Based on the television series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim
Produced by: Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Denzel Washington, Antoine Fuqua, Steve Tisch, Clayton Townsend, Alex Siskin, Tony Eldridge, Michael Sloan
Executive Producer: David Bloomfield, Tarak Ben Ammar, Andy Mitchell Cast: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, David Denman