The Equalizer (2014)

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Starring: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz

A man who believes he has put his mysterious past behind him cannot stand idly by when he meets a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters.

Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) is a health-conscious, organized man – maybe a bit too much, but he is a caring and likeable character. Teri – or Alina (Chloë Grace Moretz) is a young prostitute who dreams of becoming a singer. These two regularly bump into each other at a diner, where Robert goes to read in the early morning hours, and Teri has a bite to eat after ‘work’.

When Teri is beaten up by her Russian pimp, Slavi, Robert takes matters in his own hands to avenge Slavi and his gang. When Robert becomes the personification of bravery by going into the lion’s den, we immediately realize there is more to him than meets the eye.

The fight sequences are brutal and well choreographed. When it comes to vengeance movies, I only view the protagonist as such if he only avenges those who deserve it – and not innocent bystanders. (Vengeance movies like the John Wick franchise where the so-called protagonist kills hundreds of people does not interest me, and I don’t view him as a hero). With ‘The Equalizer’, Robert is indeed a hero and I wish there were more people in the world like Robert McCall.

The main antagonist is Teddy – such a cuddly name and yet such a bad guy – with a body covered with tattoos like a colouring book! He is well portrayed by Marton Csokas, who makes for a ruthless villain. Another villain and head of a syndicate Slavi was part of only appears at the end of the film, but this gives us peace of mind knowing his vicious operations will end, which will free a lot of people.

‘The Equalizer’ is loaded with words of wisdom, mostly coming from Robert. The film is off to a slow start, allowing us to get to know the character. As the film develops, it picks up the pace and Robert becomes an unstoppable and determined force. It also allows for very good character study. Denzel Washington does an excellent job portraying Robert.

At the box office, ‘The Equalizer’ earned $192.3 million on a budget of $55 million.

Would I watch it again? I doubt it.