In 2014, Antoine Fuqua directed Denzel Washington in “The Equalizer,” which was based on a popular TV show from 1985 to 1989, and the movie was met with positive reviews. A sequel was made four years later with the same reaction, and now, in 2023, we are given a third film that is an excellent conclusion to a trilogy that we never thought we wanted but are glad we got it. Known for directing hit films such as “The Replacements Killers,” “Training Day,” “The Guilty,” and the other two films in The Equalizer series, Antoine Fuqua returns to direct the final installment by making it a character study as opposed to going all in on the action. Fuqua gives us a great look at a character who has been through so much and wants to live in peace but must take on one final job to achieve peace. Denzel Washington delivers another fantastic performance as Robert McCall. Portraying him for the third time, Washington plays McCall as someone who is at peace with his retirement in Sicily, Italy, but is put back to work when he sees the people around him in danger and must do everything in his quest to protect them. Dakota Fanning reteams with Denzel Washington for the first time since 2004’s “Man on Fire” and gives an excellent performance as the CIA officer who assists McCall in saving the citizens of Sicily from the criminals. “The Equalizer 3” is an excellent conclusion to a trilogy about a former DIA Officer looking for peace in retirement but must come back to help people who can’t do it themselves, and that is thanks to Antoine Fuqua’s excellent direction, incredible action sequences, and a fantastic lead performance by Denzel Washington who is one of the best actors working today.
Really enjoyed this review. Nice work!