The Equalizer 3 (2023)

Denzel Washington Returns as the Relentless Protector

“The Equalizer 3” (2023) is an action-thriller film directed by Antoine Fuqua, marking the final installment in the trilogy. The film stars Denzel Washington, reprising his role as Robert McCall, a retired U.S. Marine and DIA officer. The story follows McCall as he finds solace in a small Italian town, only to confront the local mafia threatening his newfound friends. Despite its mixed reviews, the film has been praised for Washington’s performance and its thrilling visuals.

“The Equalizer 3” (2023) is the thrilling conclusion to the action-packed trilogy directed by Antoine Fuqua. Starring Denzel Washington as the formidable Robert McCall, the film also features Dakota Fanning, Eugenio Mastrandrea, and David Denman. Released in theaters on September 1, 2023, this installment sees McCall finding a semblance of peace in Southern Italy, only to be drawn back into a world of violence and crime when he discovers that his friends are under the control of local mafia bosses.

The narrative follows McCall as he attempts to protect his newfound friends from the clutches of organized crime. As he confronts the brutal realities of the mafia, McCall must tap into his lethal skills to restore justice and protect those he cares about. The film explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the moral complexities of vigilantism, all while delivering the high-octane action sequences fans have come to expect from the franchise.

Visually, “The Equalizer 3” showcases the stunning landscapes of Italy, providing a picturesque backdrop to the intense action. The cinematography captures both the beauty of the setting and the gritty nature of McCall’s battles, enhancing the film’s emotional and dramatic stakes. Critics have praised Washington’s performance, noting his ability to convey both vulnerability and strength as he navigates the challenges of his character’s dual life.

Positive Aspects

1. Denzel Washington’s Performance:
   • Denzel Washington brings a certain prestige and gravitas to every movie he appears in, elevating the material with his sheer screen presence and effortless gravitas 12. His portrayal of Robert McCall is both intense and humane, making the character’s journey compelling 34.
2. Thrilling Visuals and Direction:
   • Antoine Fuqua’s direction, combined with Robert Richardson’s cinematography, crafts thrilling visuals that are worthy of the theatrical experience 56. The film’s use of chiaroscuro lighting adds a Western feel to the narrative 6.
3. Character-Driven Narrative:
   • “The Equalizer 3” is as much a patient character study as it is a hardcore action movie, focusing on McCall’s journey of self-discovery and his efforts to protect his new community 78. The film explores McCall’s internal conflict and his desire to leave his violent past behind 910.
4. Satisfying Conclusion to the Trilogy:
   • The film provides a fitting end to Robert McCall’s character arc, offering fans a satisfying farewell 1112. It wraps up the trilogy with a sense of completeness, giving a beginning, middle, and end to McCall’s story 13.
5. Box Office Success and Audience Reception:
   • “The Equalizer 3” opened to a better-than-expected $42.8 million domestically during the Labor Day weekend, demonstrating its commercial appeal 14. The film received an ‘A’ CinemaScore from audiences and a 90% overall positive score on PostTrak, indicating strong audience approval 1516.

Mixed to Negative Aspects

1. Lack of Originality and Depth:
   • Critics have noted that the film’s story lacks depth and fails to fully engage the audience, often feeling predictable and uninspired 17 18. The narrative does not explore its themes meaningfully, leaving some elements underdeveloped 19.
2. Overreliance on Violence:
   • The film’s violence is described as brutally dumb and dour, bludgeoning any sense of fun or excitement 20. The action scenes have been compared to a B-grade slasher film, lacking the entertainment value expected from an action thriller 21.
3. Disjointed Subplots:
   • The film is bogged down by an unnecessary subplot involving international drug trafficking and political corruption, which does not add much to McCall’s story 22. This aspect of the plot feels extraneous and detracts from the main narrative.
4. Dakota Fanning’s Role:
   • Dakota Fanning’s reunion with Washington is seen as disappointing, with her character mostly providing exposition and not contributing significantly to the story 23 24.
5. Mixed Critical Reception:
   • While the film has received generally positive reviews from audiences, critics are divided on its overall quality. It holds a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 58 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating mixed or average reviews 25. Some critics find the film enjoyable but also frustrating due to its undercooked elements 26.

User ratings for “The Equalizer 3” currently stand at 6.8/10 on IMDb, reflecting a generally positive reception from audiences who appreciate the film’s blend of action and character development.

“The Equalizer 3” (2023) is a character-driven action thriller that provides a fitting conclusion to the trilogy. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Denzel Washington, the film excels in its thrilling visuals and Washington’s compelling performance. However, it falls short in terms of narrative depth and originality, with some critics finding it predictable and overly reliant on violence. Despite these criticisms, the film has achieved commercial success and strong audience approval, making it a noteworthy end to Robert McCall’s journey.

For fans of the series and those looking for a satisfying action film with a strong lead performance, “The Equalizer 3” offers an entertaining experience, albeit with some reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “The Equalizer 3” about?

“The Equalizer 3” follows Robert McCall as he seeks to protect his friends in Southern Italy from local mafia bosses, using his lethal skills to restore justice.

Is “The Equalizer 3” suitable for all audiences?

The film is rated R, indicating it contains mature content, including violence and strong language, making it suitable for adult viewers.

Who directed “The Equalizer 3”?

The film was directed by Antoine Fuqua, who has directed all three films in the series.

How does this film compare to the previous “Equalizer” movies?

“The Equalizer 3” continues the story of Robert McCall, offering a blend of action and character development while concluding the trilogy.

Where can I watch “The Equalizer 3”?

“The Equalizer 3” is available in theaters and will be released for digital rental and purchase on platforms like Amazon Video and Apple TV starting October 3, 2023.

Sources

• IMDb: The Equalizer 3 (2023)
• iWatchOnline: The Equalizer 3
• Rotten Tomatoes: The Equalizer 3

In summary, “The Equalizer 3” (2023) is a powerful and action-packed film that brings Robert McCall’s journey to a satisfying conclusion, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.