An Action Packed Work of Art

The Equalizer highlights Robert McCall’s ordinary life, an unassuming man with an enigmatic history, as he sets out on a relaxing life in Boston. As a day job, he attends to a hardware shop but his night skills in combat and intellect unveil a more sinister side. After meeting Teri, a young sex worker played by Chloë Grace Moretz, who is significantly abused by Russian gangsters, McCall chooses to take matters into his own hands and serve his form of vigilante justice. His methods are calculated, ruthless, and draw the attention of Teddy, a merciless Russian enforcer. This sets off an intense cat and mouse game and sparks McCall having to deal with his past in order to save the innocent.

Marton Csokas features as Teddy who accompanies the McCall character as a multi-dimensioned focus of violence and vengeance. McCall is packed with jaw-relaxing fights, pulse-throbbing action, and sophisticated fight sequences. Although calm in demeanor, McCall is not an ordinary hero; he is an unconstrained force of nature that goes to unimaginable extents to make sure the evil suffers for their actions.

Cast & Crew

• Robert McCall is played by Denzel Washington.
• Chloë Grace Moretz takes on the role of Alina / Teri.
• Marton Csokas takes on the role of Teddy, the brutal Russian enforcer.
• Master is played by David Harbour.
• Brian Plummer is played by Bill Pullman.
• The role of Susan Plummer was played by Melissa Leo.
• Edited by: Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Olympus Has Fallen).
• Written by: Richard Wenk (the 1980s TV series The Equalizer).

Executive Produced by: Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Denzel Washington.

IMDB Ratings & Reviews

IMDB Rating: ⭐ 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 60% Critics | 76% Audience

Metacritic: 57/100

Critics complimented Washington’s strong performance and the choreography of the action sequences, but most felt that it was predictable. Its fans, on the other hand, admired the sleek cinematography, effective depiction of violence, and admired McCall’s brutal efficiency in overcoming the villains.

Awards & Recognition

Regarding major awards, The Equalizer in particular did not win any, however, it did receive nominations during the NAACP Image Awards for Washington’s performance. It did manage to establish itself as a modern action classic, having two sequels made to it, titled:

Personal Insights & Cultural Significance

In terms of how performances were made, Washington makes The Equalizer seem more than just an action movie. His character Robert McCall is very composed, and at the same time, very ruthless when he needs to be. He is a man of strong moral principles and will only enact violence when justice is required. Unlike a lot of action heroes, McCall is more of an strategist and slow, creative, and precise violent thinker. Similar to John Wick but much more patient.

Because of McCall’s character and the portrayal of the themes of justice, redemption, and standing up for the vulnerable people, The Equalizer is above and beyond just another action movie. The brilliant direction from Antoine Fuqua brings the modern neo-noir to the film’s aesthetics while marrying the slow build aggressiveness of the action sequences to pure cinematic satisfaction.

Final Verdict

The Equalizer is perfect for watching if you enjoy fast action revenge thrillers which have strong performances. Denzel Washington makes this movie more than worth it thanks to the brutal action scenes that are captivating and well-choreographed, as well as his stunning presence.