The Equalizer 2

(spoiler free)

The follow up to 2014 action thriller ‘The Equalizer’, sees director Antonie Fuqua reunite once again with frequent collaborator Denzel Washington. However, would this tried and tested pairing make for another entertaining action flick or would this sequel have been more suited to a straight to DVD release only fit for the bargain bin?

After the events of the first film Washington’s character, Robert has relocated to urban Massachusetts and is now working as a ‘Lyft’ driver, a company not dissimilar to Uber. He continues to assist those experiencing injustices who can’t help themselves but quickly gets drawn into something much bigger and with more deadly consequences, but for who? The narrative here is fine, there isn’t really too much to get excited about as it does at first simply feel like a retread of what we saw in the original film. It’s quite slow to start with little to offer the audience in the way of engagement but once all of the narrative elements are fully realised it makes way for a more gripping film as a whole. This time round we get to see and hear some more of Robert’s back story and his character is explored further. Initially this seemed like it was going to be a dull and cliched subplot but it was actually incorporated quite nicely into the main story. As well as this the other character relationships and messages brought to the forefront through Robert’s values were further additions which enhanced the quality of the story.

Whilst waiting for the story to really peak the interest of the audience ‘The Equalizer 2’ at least provides viewers with the brutal action sequences that made the first film such a great watch. Much like the film as a whole these sequences are grounded and well executed always catching the audience’s attention. We know Washington can deliver action scenes like these and here is no exception. His performance feels effortless and he’s so believable in this role. He could have completely phoned it in for this film but he doesn’t and still contributes an impressive performance refusing to settle or coast through his role. He’s surrounded by a quite brilliant cast with returning supporting actress Melissa Leo standing out the most. Both Pedro Pascal and Ashton Sanders perform well too making for a strong quad of central characters, something which can be rare for action movies, especially sequels.

Despite the strong performances and the polished action sequences the film rarely excites the audiences in the way it should, consistently. The moments of action are always enjoyable but the unremarkable narrative just can’t bring them together in any particularly thrilling fashion leaving you wanting just that something more that it feels lacking in. The quality of the action and performances do make it watchable and in its moments quite good but I fear this is an action sequel not quite the equal of its original.

Written by Hamish Calvert

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Rating – 7/10

Question: What’s your favourite Denzel Washington action film?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)

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