Movie Review - The Equalizer 3

Director: Antoine Fuqua
Genre: Thriller/ Crime/ Action
Runtime: 109 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Eugenio Mastrandrea, David Brennan, Remo Girono, Gaia Scodellaro, Andrea Scarduzio
 
Description: Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) finds himself at home in Southern Italy but he discovers his friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do: become friends’ protector by taking on the mafia.

Review: Even though “The Equalizer”, the first in this trilogy, had to endure much criticism for its excessive violence, the film was a hit. I loved it anyway and the first sequel was also solid. “The Equalizer 3”, what I believe to be the final chapter, is again a strong film in the crime action thriller genre. But it takes a different approach.

For some unknown reason, Robert McCall finds himself in Sicily, where he ahs killed off a house full of crime bosses. After he kills the head of this organization, he is shot in the back. He tries to get away, but is found by the side of the road by Gio. He takes him to the local doctor Enzo. While recovering from his near-fatal wound, he gets to know the residents of the small village, with whom soon develops a strong bond. Because he still recovering, he is forced to watch as the village is exploited by local crimes bosses.

The opening sequence shows that McCall is a gifted fighter, but also vulnerable. Despite his phenomenal fighting skills, McCall is still a human being of flesh and blood. He is not some untouchable God. The passive role McCall finds himself in because of his temporary disability makes the injustice of the mob all the more painful.

Denzel Washington once again manages to bring out two sides of McCall. At first glance, he is a likeable, simple and trustworthy man. But he can turn into a cold-blooded killing machine at any moment. The sudden transitions Washington shows between those two sides of McCall are both chilling and satisfying.

This third film makes more room drama, which may disappoint the fans of the series, who are waiting for the action. I believe it fit this film, because the tone is different then the other two.
“The Equalizer” trilogy is a solid one, one to remember and with high rewatchability. I really enjoyed this third installment and I have yet to see a bad Denzel Washington movie.

Rating: 4/ 5