Starring: Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders, Orson Bean, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo, Jonathan Scarfe
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Release date: 17th August 2018
Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) is working as a taxi/ LYFT driver but also still helping people in need and righting wrongs. Ultimately all he wants is a relatively quiet life and to put his past behind him. Unfortunately though, a vicious murder/suicide occurs and Robert is once again drawn in to save those he cares about.
You might remember the classic US TV series ‘The Equalizer’ starring Edward Woodward that aired from 1985 to 1989 and ran for 4 seasons. He was ‘a retired intelligence agent with a mysterious past, who uses the skills from his former career to exact justice on behalf of innocent people who are trapped in dangerous circumstances’. In the series, people in need found him through a classified ad in a newspaper that said: “Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer: 212 555 4200.” I absolutely loved the series as a kid and was a bit surprised when they announced that a movie was going to be made. The first ‘Equalizer’ movie, starring Denzel Washington was released back in 2014, and was loosely based on the TV series. The movie was a surprise hit and grossed $198million in the box office.
As I said, I really loved the original TV series and so watched the first movie out of curiosity. Really enjoyed it and felt that Denzel Washington was actually a good choice for the lead role. The first one was pretty violent in places and so there was that difference with the TV show, but on the whole a thrilling and enjoyable watch.
If you watched the first one and enjoyed it then definitely give this one a viewing, but also on the flipside, if you didn’t see the first movie then don’t worry too much as there’s thankfully not too much of a back story to be informed about.
Denzel is dark and brooding as a guy with a mysterious past who helps people in need. Go see ‘The Equalizer 2’ for a bit of escapism and an entertaining night out.
Overall: 8.5/10
