The 80’s were and are a favourite of current film makers with it being the time that most of them grew up. From 21 Jump Street to The A-Team there have been multiple attempts to create new franchises off of nostalgia with various degrees of success. So does the new Equalizer movie with Denzel Washington pull it off?
The new film, a sequel to the 2014 film is based on the 1985 series by the same name. Made for TV the series followed Edward Woodward as the titular character who is a former Intelligence Officer (assume CIA) who uses his skills to enact justice on behalf of innocent victims. Part procedural spy/part vigilante series the ran for four seasons and even was planned to cross over with Magnum P.I. (despite the vastly different tones of the two shows).
The new (and last) films are loosely based on the same concept with Denzel Washington taking on the role of the former CIA operative. Presumed dead by his previous professional life Denzel’s version of Robert McCall (the character from the original series) goes about living a low key life but often will use his very unique set of skills in the name of those he crosses path with that have been wronged.
The new film, while a sequel and the only character ever played by Denzel twice, does follow the same character as the first there is no obligation to see it to know what is happening in this one. Much like the episodes of the TV show in the 80’s each film is completely standalone and aims at a level where if you liked watching the last one you will like watching the next one.
While the new film has more subplots in terms of additional people being helped. The tone and feel of both films is very much the same with not only the same writer but the same director (Antoine Fuqua, responsible for Training Day & The Magnificent Seven both with Denzel) on both films. While consistent in that regard, the new film adds a main story line which involves Denzel’s character crosses into his old life as one of the people he aims to get justice for is a former colleague adding a touch of Jack Ryan’ish intrigue.
So should you go see it? If you have seen the first film you will know that while not R rated it does get pretty violent with Denzel maiming and murdering through his prey and this also continues in the new film to some degree. While low in the big screen action film moments, if you are a fan of the first film which is currently on Netflix or just like seeing Denzel kick ass ala Book of Eli then this is a movie for you.
The Equalizer 2 is in cinemas right now across Australia.
