In the gritty landscape of action cinema, “The Equalizer 3” attempts to rekindle the once-enjoyable franchise starring Denzel Washington, but ends up misfiring in spectacular fashion. This latest installment, helmed by director Antoine Fuqua, marks the fifth collaboration between Fuqua and Washington, and while their first project together, “Training Day,” was a triumph, subsequent films have taken a harsher and less satisfying turn.
The movie opens with a blood-soaked and dismembered crime scene in a secluded Sicilian villa, setting a gruesome tone that lingers throughout. Denzel Washington’s character, Robert McCall, who was once a noted hitman and now operates as a ghost, finds himself in the midst of this violent chaos. The scene is filled with stomach-churning violence and relies on impractical effects, signaling the franchise’s departure from its more grounded origins.
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As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that “The Equalizer 3” is not just another sequel; it’s a puzzling attempt by Fuqua and Washington to create their own cinematic partnership akin to the legendary Anthony Mann and Jimmy Stewart collaboration. Just as Stewart ventured into darker narratives in Mann’s Westerns, Washington seems to relish in McCall’s violent transformation, even if it leaves the audience questioning whether they should root for him.
The movie’s Western influences are palpable, especially when McCall, critically wounded during the villa raid, finds himself in a tranquil Italian village. Here, he experiences a sense of peace and connection with the people, echoing the classic Western theme of a lone gunslinger finding solace in a quiet town. However, McCall’s newfound viciousness blurs the line between hero and anti-hero, making it challenging to fully embrace his character‘s evolution.
Despite its attempt to infuse Western elements, “The Equalizer 3” falls short in several aspects. The action lacks imagination, the editing is uninspired, and the score feels formulaic. The film resorts to gratuitous violence to compensate for its lackluster choreography, leaving a shallow impact on viewers.
One subplot involves Dakota Fanning as CIA Agent Emma Collins, reuniting with Washington after their previous collaboration in “Man on Fire.” Unfortunately, her character’s arc feels underdeveloped, and the connection to McCall’s story in the village remains tenuous at best. Fanning’s performance struggles to match the intensity required, leaving the audience wanting more.
The movie’s only saving grace is Denzel Washington himself, who appears to relish the role despite the film’s shortcomings. His performance is marked by unexpected decisions that add an element of unpredictability to his character. However, the lack of a cohesive emotional core and narrative continuity hampers the franchise’s ability to resonate with audiences.
While it’s become common to compare contemporary action films to the success of “John Wick,” “The Equalizer” trilogy struggles to evolve and find its own identity. It lacks the emotional depth, narrative coherence, and genre mastery that made “John Wick” a standout in the genre. Instead, “The Equalizer” franchise remains tragically uneven, failing to recapture the magic of its earlier entries.
In conclusion, “The Equalizer 3” is a missed opportunity to elevate the franchise and deliver a compelling action thriller. Despite Denzel Washington’s best efforts, the film succumbs to its own shortcomings, leaving audiences longing for the days when McCall’s brand of justice felt more grounded and engaging.