IR Film Review: THE EQUALIZER 3 [Sony]
The basis for "The Equalizer" is in its name. The concept of quid pro quo despite an end game that is very finite. When we last saw McCall (literally in the middle of a storm), the idea was that the wolf will always be hunting. What is interesting in the forward plot of "The Equalizer 3" is the essence of human nature, including compassion, especially for a hit man in the time he finds himself. The film despite its select violent action scenes is quite reflective and at times quiet in and of itself which is refreshing. What makes this work is the essence of the Italian coast and a specific fictional town (Altamonte) which functions along sheer cliffs and old school life. The story, of course, does not begin there but on the isle of Sicily where the prologue begins and sets the stage up for the rest of the film. It rests on the idea of what lowering your guard in modern society means.
The plot and its mechanics are swift but not life changing. But that is what makes it move and not require anything more of the audience than it needs to. It is efficient (kudos to director Antoine Fuqua), Denzel Washington (as always) is effective, steel and yet empathetic (even in a role like this). It is his reflection seeing the warmth the town gives to him after an incident which paints him in a way as a ghost. This film is an interesting balance to a film like his Othello in many ways. The questions he asks as the character looks for angles when, many times, the people of the town don't have. Granted the bad guys per se are looking to capitalize on it and those mechanizations, though limited, work well.
Dakota Fanning, last seen in a film with Denzel close to 20 years ago (in "Man On Fire" which this journalist interviewed both of them for) plays an interesting diametric in a role (as "Collins") which she is good at but not often seen in. This role is more akin to early 90s Jodie Foster and Fanning has the steel to play it (which is a different strength than her sister Elle). Two scenes between her and Denzel show the master and apprentice at play, as you can tell he is testing her on screen and off, but also is very proud of her. Her character like his, radiates a sense of empathy under the cool, even if she is trying specifically to hide it. The resolution makes sense and is in complete congruence with the character. As McCall says, timing is everything and he is supposed to be where he is. That is also true of "The Equalizer 3" which does its job well, quick, with effective use of acting, locations, and plot, without trying to be anything more than it is. But in that it is good. B+
By Tim Wassberg
