The Equalizer

Denzel  Washington is one of the most celebrated actors of our time, and for good reason. His unique blend of charm, charisma, powerhouse drama, and effective wit have endeared him to audiences in numerous films throughout the years. Now in the Equalizer, we have something rarely seen from him - a chance to bring the charm but also heavily mixed into A LOT of action.
Oh we've seen Denzel Washington in action films before of course, and often to great effect, but in most instances what has also been a preface is a a thrilling, well-woven, and sometimes out there plot to facilitate the action. Not this time. The Equalizer is a no holds barred, gritty, bloody and raw all out action thriller, with Denzel Washington at the centre.

Essentially, the plot revolves around Washington, as an ageing retired government operative turned DIY salesman who is em-brawled back into his old life to avenge the assault of young Chloe Grace Moretz. This then leads us into him becoming a one man vigilante turned killing machine who pretty much single-handedly takes out every member of a Russian crime syndicate, which is led by villainous Marton Csokas.

That is basically it in terms of plot; heavily embellished and uniquely performed but basic standard stuff as far as thrillers go. As I say, this is not really a film with a message it is pretty much a kick ass belter. Plot is more of a side-line at best, and the script is more of a tool to facilitate all this action, blood and killing.
Denzel Washington does not get a meaty script to immerse himself into this time, but instead just enough ample excuse to shoot, stab, punch, kick and assault with a variety of B&Q accessories (but in an oh so cool fashion). And actually, I rather like that. This film is not deep or powerful really, but Denzel Washington's natural presence and gravitas still seeps through, making him easily the very watchable star of the show. The rising star Chloe Grace Moretz is a good addition to the cast, as she is a nice blend of sexy and vulnerable, but she rightly takes a back seat as the film goes on. Csokas fits the bill of "villainous Russian gangster" perfectly whilst being threateningly raw enough to just about convince, but in terms of sheer screen presence and oomph, no one gets near Denzel Washington and that is the way it should be.


The Equalizer is as I say, a bit of a rarity for me; a gritty thriller that is just sleek and smooth enough and that also neither needs nor gives any real excuse for a heady mix of blood and violence throughout. What's more, it works. I have no doubt this has something to do with Washington in the lead, but again why complain? For a simple thriller with a difference, the Equalizer is worth a watch.