Denzel Washington is Awesome Once Again in "The Equalizer"

 

    Denzel Washington is the gift that keeps on giving. Teaming up again with "Training Day" director Antoine Fuqua, Washington delivers another entertaining performance in the action-packed thriller "The Equalizer". Robert McCall (Washington) has done everything in his power to put his past behind him, while attempting to live a life that is quiet, calm and all-around normal. The problem is, he has this overwhelming need to be, well...helpful, in times of need. Robert meets a young woman, Teri (Chole Grace Moretz), who happens to be under the control of a violent, fairly cliche Russian gangster Slavi (David Meunier). Being the boy scout that he is, Robert finds that he can't stand idle in the presence of injustice, and figures he should "help".

   The story has a very over-the-top, knight-in-shining-armor feel to it. Robert is a simple, regimented man. He doesn't sleep; his nights are spent reading in a 24 hour diner drinking tea from home. His days are spent working a normal 9-5 at a knock off Home Depot where he helps customers with their everyday home repair needs as well as employees with life problems, like losing weight. He's like the ultimate friend. Even in the diner, everyone knows what an honest and nice guy he is. It's in the diner that he meets Teri, a young lady of the night who seems far to young to be such. No disrespect to Chloe Grace Moretz, I think she's a fantastic actress, but she still looks like she's 15. Casting an older actress, or one that at least looked older, would've made for a more believable character. It just came off as disturbing. Teri isn't in much of the movie, however she's an important character and Moretz does a fine job given her youthful appearance.

   When Robert sees that Teri is in some trouble, he has an issue with sitting back idly. You know when you're driving and you're stuck at a red light and a little old lady starts crossing the street and she drops her bag in the middle of the sidewalk, then suddenly a nice much younger person helps her and her bag across the street? Well that's Robert, only Robert wouldn't just help her across the street. He'd blow up the street for getting in her way. Robert's desire to be the positive, good-natured man spurns from a past that has left him with guilt, remorse, and constant vigilance. When Teri ends up in the hospital, seeking restitution ends up being much more than just asking for an apology.

   The action in the movie isn't over-the-top, Hollywood action. It's quick, practical, and deadly. There are some definite cringe-moments during some of the fight scenes though. It brought me back to "The Book of Eli", where Washington did a fair amount of butt-kicking as well. The action in the film was much more suited to the material, but was equally enjoyable. Denzel is the full package in my book. Not only is he a master-class actor, but he can hang as an action star with the best of them. I tip my hat to both Fuqua and Washington in regards to the action of this film. Antoine Fuqua has a fluidity to his action scenes. They don't exist for the sake of existing; they serve a purpose to the story and are filmed in a way that is cohesive and strong. Washington, as Robert McCall, gives us one the best vigilante performances to date. No cape or super powers needed.

   "The Equalizer" is a blast from start to finish. It has a powerful message about redemption and standing up for what's right. If you're a fan of action movies or Denzel Washington, you won't be disappointed.