Movie Review: The Equalizer 3

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A well-made action film. 

What makes this movie work so well is also what made the previous Equalizer films work. That is the main character. Once again this character is simply very likable and charming (even when he is doing very violent things). Here how much we like this character is helped by two major things. One is that Denzel Washington is playing him and the other is the film's pacing. Denzel Washington is simply put a pure movie star, on par with the best from the golden age of Hollywood. He plays this role with such an effortless charm and charisma that makes it hard to be anything but a delight watching him. The pacing also helps a lot. While I wouldn't call this a slow-paced movie, it is slower paced than many other big Hollywood action films. However this works perfectly here. This pace makes us feel like we like we are experiencing everything with our main character. Because of this we always understand what he is fighting for and why he is so driven. This makes what is a very simple story, work better here than in many similar films. It also makes the action scenes work much better. Speaking of the action scenes, they are very well done here (even if too bloody for the squeamish) creating a real tension and suspense. I also love Marcelo Zarvos' music in these action scenes. It combines a more traditional orchestral score with some rock and roll guitar. This creates a real excitement and tension in these scenes. The film also has great ending that is a perfect way to close this trilogy. 

This movie does have its flaws though. As likable as our main character is, most of the supporting characters are quite bland. There is little to their personalities, and they can often feel more like plot devices than actual characters. The storyline is also very familiar and it is very east to guess what is going to happen next at many points. 

This is a fine ending to this trilogy.