THE EQUALIZER 3 and Its Avenging Angel

 

Director Antoine Fuqua (Olympus Has Fallen) and frequent collaborator, Denzel Washington (Training Day), complete their trilogy of the avenger in The Equalizer 3, a solid, efficient thriller based on The Equalizer TV series (in turn inspired by TV’s Have Gun Will Travel!)

In Sicily, Italy, retired CIA assassin Robert McCall (Washington) executes a bloody crime scene and cryptically leaves a trail for a young CIA operative (Dakota Fanning) to follow. He ends up in a small town where he finds timely refuge and support from the townspeople who open their hearts to him. Increasingly, he observes his adoptive town being menaced by a ruthless Mafia gang, and when they physically threaten the residents, McCall must emerge from the shadows to take decisive, uncompromising action even as the CIA is closing in.

Washington always commands the screen as the iconic lead and never disappoints whether in quiet, contemplative moments or lethal takedowns against seemingly overwhelming odds. Against a picturesque background, the action is swift and abrupt, and yes, as before, he still has his watch to time out his violent responses. While you almost wish there was more to learn about his past life, it’s the details of his character that are interesting including his principals, compulsive habits, and powers of observation. Although the narrative is straightforward, a couple of characters are given short shrift, but the filmmakers know to keep focus on McCall.  (There are also moments that recall The Bourne Identity, A History of Violence, and even Spartacus.) 

Fans will be pleased as the film ends on an emotional note with a surprising connection to the previous films, and if this is his last film as the enigmatic McCall, Washington ends it in fitting style.

**** of ***** stars (for fans)