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“The Equalizer,” an action-packed thriller, hit the screens on September 26, 2014. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie stars Denzel Washington in a powerful role that blends action with emotional depth. With its intense storyline and gripping performances, “The Equalizer” stands out as a modern take on vigilante justice. This review will explore its plot, strengths, and whether it’s worth your time.
Plot Summary
The story follows Robert McCall, a retired intelligence officer living a quiet life in Boston. Despite his efforts to leave his violent past behind, McCall is drawn back into action when he meets Teri, a young woman trapped in the world of human trafficking. Determined to help her, McCall takes on a dangerous Russian crime syndicate, using his skills to deliver justice in his unique, calculated way. The film’s narrative builds tension masterfully, keeping viewers engaged throughout.
What’s Good?
Denzel Washington’s performance as Robert McCall is undoubtedly the highlight of the movie. His portrayal of a calm yet lethal protagonist adds layers to the character, making him relatable and formidable. Washington’s ability to convey emotion through subtle expressions enhances the movie’s impact.
Antoine Fuqua’s direction is another strong point. Known for his work in “Training Day,” Fuqua brings a similar intensity to “The Equalizer.” The action sequences are choreographed with precision, blending realism with cinematic flair. Each fight scene feels grounded, yet thrilling.
The cinematography by Mauro Fiore deserves praise for its atmospheric visuals. The use of lighting and shadow adds a noir-like quality to the film, enhancing its gritty tone. The score by Harry Gregson-Williams complements the narrative, creating a sense of urgency and tension.
The pacing of the movie is well-balanced. It allows for character development while maintaining the adrenaline rush of an action thriller. The dialogue, though sparse, is impactful, giving depth to the characters and their motivations.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film’s strengths lie in its lead performance, direction, and action choreography. Denzel Washington’s portrayal of McCall is compelling, and the action sequences are both brutal and satisfying. The themes of justice and redemption are explored with depth, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
However, the movie is not without flaws. The storyline, while engaging, is somewhat predictable. The Russian villains lack complexity, coming across as stereotypical antagonists. Additionally, the film’s runtime of over two hours may feel slightly stretched for some viewers.
Despite these minor issues, “The Equalizer” manages to deliver a gripping experience that keeps audiences invested.
Target Audience
“The Equalizer” is ideal for fans of action thrillers and vigilante stories. It appeals to viewers who enjoy intense narratives with strong characters and high-stakes action. While it may not be suitable for younger audiences due to its violence, it’s a must-watch for those who appreciate a blend of drama and adrenaline-pumping sequences.
Box Office Details
“The Equalizer” was made on a budget of approximately INR 700 crores (USD 55 million). The movie was a commercial success, grossing over INR 3,000 crores (USD 192 million) worldwide. Here’s a breakdown of its day-wise earnings:
- Day 1 (India): INR 5 crores
- Day 1 (Overseas): INR 35 crores
- Day 2 (India): INR 7 crores
- Day 2 (Overseas): INR 40 crores
- Day 3 (India): INR 10 crores
- Day 3 (Overseas): INR 45 crores
- Day 4 (India): INR 4 crores
- Day 4 (Overseas): INR 30 crores
- Day 5 (India): INR 3 crores
- Day 5 (Overseas): INR 25 crores
The movie’s box office performance reflects its global appeal and the draw of Denzel Washington’s star power.
Recommendation
“The Equalizer” is a thrilling ride that combines intense action with emotional depth. While it’s not without flaws, the film’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Denzel Washington’s stellar performance and Antoine Fuqua’s direction make it a must-watch for action enthusiasts. Highly recommended for fans of vigilante justice stories.
Genres:
Thriller, Action, Crime
Rating:
7.282/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Denzel Washington | Robert McCall |
| Marton Csokas | Teddy |
| Chloë Grace Moretz | Teri |
| David Harbour | Masters |
| Haley Bennett | Mandy |
| Bill Pullman | Brian Plummer |
| Melissa Leo | Susan Plummer |
| David Meunier | Slavi |
| Johnny Skourtis | Ralphie |
| Alex Veadov | Tevi |
| Vladimir Kulich | Vladimir Pushkin |
| E. Roger Mitchell | Lead Investigator |
| James Wilcox | Pederson |
| Mike O’Dea | Remar |
| Anastasia Mousis Sanidopoulos | Jenny |
| Allen Maldonado | Marcus |
| Rhet Kidd | Jay |
| Mike Morrell | HM Brian |
| Matt Lasky | Marat |
| Shawn Fitzgibbon | Little John Looney |
| Vitaliy Shtabnoy | Andri |
| Timothy John Smith | Detective Gilly |
| Robert Wahlberg | Detective Harris |
| Steve Sweeney | Counterman |
| Owen Burke | Thief |
| Luz Mery Sanchez | Ralphie’s Mom |
| John Romualdi | Agent Mosley |
| Johnny Messner | P&E Worker |
| Patrick Coppola | Homeowner |
| William Xifaras | Laborer |
| Jenny Johnson | Reporter |
| Peter Haydu | Bank Officer |
| Tait Fletcher | Teddy’s Guy |
| Mark Stefanich | Teddy’s Guy |
| Dan Bilzerian | Teddy’s Guy |
| Matt Leonard | Teddy’s Guy |
| Sala Baker | Teddy’s Guy |
| Yan Dron | Teddy’s Guy |
| Andrew Farazi | Gangster (uncredited) |
| Christopher Weigel | Russian Patron (uncredited) |
| Dennis Keiffer | Teddy’s Guy (uncredited) |
| Lance Norris | Butcher (uncredited) |
| Alex Ziwak | Russian Heavy / Bouncer (uncredited) |
| Tiffany Crosby | Pedestrian (uncredited) |
| Austin J. Ryan | Boy (uncredited) |
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