The Equalizer (MA)
Starring: Denzel Washington, Chloe Grace Moretz
DONE right, there’s nothing quite so deeply satisfying as a good revenge yarn.
Enter moderately angry black man, Denzel Washington as The Equalizer, for some measured application of violence.
Loosely based on the Edward Woodward TV show of the same name, there’s already talk of a sequel after a very strong opening – the plan was always for Denzel to kick off a Liam Neeson-style franchise.
Denzel’s a mild-mannered worker at a Home Depot type of giant hardware store – but there’s a sense that there’s more going on.
He lives alone, and sits in a diner reading the 100 books that everyone must read.
There, he strikes up an unlikely friendship with teen hooker Chloe Grace Moretz, a denizen of the same diner.
When she gets roughed up by the Russian Mob, the equalising begins.
It transpires that Denzel is a retired superspook – and it’s not too much trouble to line up on his old Cold War enemy.
“I never get personal – but for you, I’m going to make an exception,” Denzel promises the Russians.
Along the way, Denzel finds many innovative uses for the tools in his hardware chain, which are wiped clean and restored to the shelves after the equalisation process has been completed.
Denzel’s good, Chloe’s good, the characters have depth, and the baddies’ bodies pile up like cordwood. Who could ask for more?
It’s a little overlong, but that’s a mild criticism of an enjoyable outing by this black and white knight.
– Jason Beck
