Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Definitely not.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? No.
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 131 minutes (~2.25 hours)
“The Equalizer” is an action film that centres on the exploits of McCall, a retired Special Forces veteran, who runs afoul of a Russian syndicate. It stars Denzel Washington (Robert McCall), Marton Csokas (Teddy), Chloe Grace Moretz (Teri), and Johnny Skourtis (Ralphie). It is rated M-18.
If “The Equalizer” seems familiar to you, it’s probably because you’ve seen other films that are similar in concept like “Taken” or “The Transporter.” “The Equalizer” doesn’t stray too far from the overused concept of an ex-super soldier forced into battle to save his loved ones, but neither does it break new ground with its execution.
So what makes “The Equalizer” worth watching?
Solid set up for McCall’s character in the beginning
Denzel Washington’s character is developed quite extensively in the first Act, with him uttering many quotable quotes and numerous hints that the mild, supportive McCall is actually much more competent than he appears. It also builds on his sense of loss and his motivation for the rest of the film, giving him a somewhat credible reason for going after his opponents the way he does.
Supporting characters like Teri and Ralphie are endearing
The people that McCall helps are representative of the Everyman that McCall has come to help “equalize,” with them having genuine problems that almost anyone in the audience can relate to. The obstacles that they face at the beginning are also excellent set-ups for what McCall does later in the film, helping us to see that it’s his character, not his fighting skills, that make McCall so special.
Marton Csokas plays an intriguing Teddy
Although my viewing partner disagrees, I was particularly mesmerised by Marton Csokas’ performance as the main antagonist of the film. Not only does he come with a decently interesting back story, but he hides his psychotic rage beneath a thin veneer of rational coolness. This laces his interactions with other characters with the tension of wondering what exactly Teddy will do next – much like Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in “The Dark Knight.”
While “The Equalizer” might have shone in the above areas, it had its fair share of drawbacks as well.
Pacing is too slow
Too many self-indulgent shots and artistic moments bog down a plot that is already progressing at a snail’s pace. There’s just not enough story for 2 hours of run time. To make it worse, there are precious few reveals or surprises to keep you interested in the plot, which plods on predictably, but confusingly (more on that in the next point).
Plot is coherent and unfocused
McCall is bounced from set piece to set piece with very little explanation or motivation to do so – it just seems like he’s progressing up the hierarchy of henchmen. Also, Teddy is set up as a deadly force to be reckoned with, but McCall mops the floor with him distressingly easily in the climax. To make things worse, McCall dispatches an international Russian syndicate with unbelievable ease. Why hasn’t he established world peace by now if he’s so superhumanly powerful? Things just don’t make sense.
Inconsistent tone
The movie starts off poignant and warm – then shifts to a dark, gritty, grimmer world in the middle. That’s understandable as the stakes increase, but the finale sees McCall as an incredibly glamorous action hero who invokes every rule of cool to defeat the antagonist. Deaths are portrayed in a bewilderingly vast assortment of ways – some gruesome, some artistic, and some as a spectacular display of stunt choreography. You end up sensing that the director doesn’t quite know how he wants the movie to go.
Unconvincing fight scenes
You never see McCall in any wide, well lit shots for the action sequences. It’s always shadowy close-ups that reveal how McCall wins his fights. And Denzel Washington doesn’t exhibit the presence that betrays McCall as a world class fighter, either. This results in unbelievable fights, and gratuitous but clumsy violence. Is it an art film, or is it an action film? You still don’t know by the end.
“The Equalizer” tries to be many things, but fails to impress in any aspect simply because of its lack of focus. It starts on ideas, but doesn’t carry them long enough to create any lasting impact. That’s a pity, because it’s actually a pretty decent story if not for the lack of focus and poor execution.
“The Equalizer” opens in cinemas 25 September, 2014 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo Movies Singapore.
I like this movie. Although Robert, the main character, is already a retired agent but he cannot stand on the wickedness brought around on his place by the russian mafia. And when he realized that Alina and other whore was forced against their will and badly beaten, he decided to end this wickedness. It is really a good story for a heroic act. I highly recommend this movie. I give 5 star on this. Thanks.
Robert doesn’t come across as a believable former agent though.