For plenty of us, Denzel Washington isn’t just a movie star. He is the movie star. For decades, he’s been the leading man through action, thriller, drama, rom-coms and even Shakespearean tragedies. With two Oscars, seven more Academy nominations to his name, and bringing in over $4 billion USD to the global box office, he’s a star that’s essentially loved by everyone. But the one film role Denzel’s held onto longer than any other? Robert McCall, more famously known as The Equalizer.
Now, if you’ve seen The Equalizer or The Equalizer 2, you know Denzel brings that quintessential Washington flair to Robert McCall. With its captivating character dynamics, mind-bending strategy-driven showdowns, and a relentless pursuit of justice, The Equalizer has propelled far beyond being just a series — it’s now a tentpole of the modern day action blockbuster.
We’re about to see McCall on the big screen once again with The Equalizer 3 dropping on August 31. This marks the end of this trilogy, which means we’re destined for an explosive finale. In case you needed a refresher on the legacy of Robert McCall, here’s a reminder of why McCall aka “The Equalizer” is an action movie legend for the 21st century.
It’s Denzel, Duh
Denzel Washington’s involvement in The Equalizer is crucial to its status as a modern-day action staple. Washington’s acting prowess lends authenticity and gravitas to Robert McCall. This is a man who was brought out of retirement and vows to avenge the helpless. With that backstory alone, McCall needed an actor who could portray courage and ambition while also scorn and regret at once. When you want a layered action performance, the dream cast starts and stops at Washington.
Washington’s intense yet controlled demeanour throughout the series speaks volumes about McCall’s story without needing excessive exposition. His presence elevates the films beyond typical action fare, and also raises the stakes. Take the diner scene in the first instalment in the series. McCall’s tired, as one can expect, but is always one step ahead, taking in every clue around him and using it to foresee threats before those threats even know what they’re doing. Had Denzel Washington not imbued his performance with those layered traits, we might not be convinced that he’d be able to pull it off nor would the stakes feel as high as they were.
In The Equalizer 3, Denzel will also be reunited with Dakota Fanning, almost 20 years since the duo last appeared on screen together in Man on Fire. We know their chemistry is electrifying, so watching Fanning go toe-to-toe with Washington once again will be a must-see experience.
Robert McCall Isn’t Just Another Hero
Robert McCall’s character is marked by his mysterious past and his internal quest for redemption. After faking his death so he can put his old life as a DIA agent and Marine Corps sergeant behind him, he gets roped back in by nothing other than compassion. When meeting Teri in the first film, his paternal side emerges — it directly opposes his stoicism, but the two traits blend together beautifully.
This shading gives Robert McCall depth and room to build out his character across entire films. Whereas other action films might not venture beyond the ass-kicking, we know McCall’s history and we know what he wants for his future. Beyond the textures, McCall’s internal struggle and moral dilemmas give the character a rich depth that engages us on an emotional level. You can be sure that The Equalizer 3 will present us, and him, with more of these dilemmas, and in response we’ll no doubt learn even more about the Equalizer himself.
We do know that The Equalizer 3 will once again see McCall’s friends targeted, but this time it’s by a threat more dangerous than he’s ever dealt with before — the Sicilian mafia. He’s once again retired — this time in the south of Italy — but after being drawn back into the fray, how long can McCall keep this fight for justice up?
Mastering a Tightrope Walk
At the end of the day, The Equalizer is still an action movie franchise. And action movies need to deliver what fans love: action. But action movies with no depth or character development aren’t that interesting to watch, and action movies that focus too much on depth and not enough on action aren’t really action movies at all. However, much like the name suggests, Robert McCall gives fans the perfect balance and one that’s an absolute must-see on the big screen.
We know McCall is a bona fide master in combat, using weapons or his sheer physical strength. But the film also focuses on McCall’s relationships. His bond with Teri exemplifies this aspect. McCall’s mentorship of Teri reflects his paternal instincts and his desire to protect those who can’t defend themselves. Their conversations reveal more about his values and his internal struggles. By juxtaposing these quieter moments with the action-packed sequences, the film creates a well-rounded narrative that resonates with us, and makes those action scenes hit so much harder.
As for those action scenes, they’re not only intense but creative and strategic. In a climactic scene set in a home improvement store, McCall uses various tools and items available to him to fend off attackers. His resourcefulness makes it feel like anything can be a weapon, instead of relying on usual gunfire or clenched fists. Not only does this keep us on our toes, it sets apart The Equalizer’s action scenes and puts them far above the rest. Hard to say what McCall will wield as a weapon in The Equalizer 3, but rest assured: we know it’s gonna hurt.
The Equalizer 3 is out in cinemas on August 31. Book your tickets now.
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