You don’t have to twist any arms to get Denzel Washington fans, like myself, excited about “The Equalizer 3.” In this third and final installment, Washington takes on the role of Robert McCall once more, a paternalistic avenger on a mission to help those who can’t help themselves.
Nearly a decade has passed since the two-time Oscar winner first embraced the character of Robert McCall, a former Marine and special-ops agent with a relentless determination to punish the criminal scum he encounters during his watch.
While Edward Woodward played the role in a 1980s British TV series and Queen Latifah is currently spinning her own version on CBS, Denzel Washington, at 68, remains the epitome of coolness. You may also read Historic Turnout at Nebraska Volleyball Match Sets World Record.
Antoine Fuqua, the director, may not have ventured into horror, but with “The Equalizer 3,” he comes dangerously close. These action films rival classic slashers in their inventive, gory deaths at the hands of a relentless hero who refuses to back down.
However, the twist here is that the hero, Robert McCall, slaughters to save innocents from exploitation and murder. His victims are not your typical virgins and co-eds; instead, they’re Russian mobsters, American mercenaries, and the Italian mafia, dispatched with everything from a corkscrew to their own guns.
Each “Equalizer” film asks a profound question: “What do you see when you look at me?” However, the franchise itself doesn’t delve deep into moral ambiguity. It positions Robert as a unequivocal force for good, while everyone else on screen neatly falls into the categories of either good or evil, leaving no room for gray areas.
These movies don’t offer much food for thought beyond guessing which everyday object Robert will turn into a deadly weapon next, whether it’s a wine bottle or a meat cleaver.
Robert McCall only deals with bad men, never meting out justice to a single female character over three films and six hours of action. This lack of gender diversity feels regressive, but given the franchise’s focus on brutal fight scenes, it may seem like nitpicking. Still, Fuqua has consistently aimed to make these movies more than just action franchises, but in this regard, he has fallen short.
“He just happens to be a brutal destroyer when it comes time to do that. But I think that’s what people are connecting to. You know, you could see yourself in Robert McCall.”
Violence is a significant draw, and the third movie features some of the most gruesome kills yet. “It’s his final masterpiece to take out some bad guys that deserved it… they had to go in the worst way. They had to know what it felt like to be terrorized,” Fuqua added.
Now, let’s talk about how to watch “The Equalizer 3” and when it might be available for streaming.
This Labor Day weekend marks Denzel Washington’s return for one last outing as Robert McCall in “The Equalizer 3,” concluding the film franchise. Adapted from the 1980s TV series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim, the trilogy reintroduced audiences to Robert McCall, a man driven by a strong (if not violent) sense of justice.
In “The Equalizer 3,” Robert seeks to make amends for his past actions while finding a sense of peace in his unique way of helping people. He’s settled into a quiet life in Southern Italy, forming new friendships. However, when he discovers that his friends are under the control of the mafia, he’s compelled to return to action, and things could turn deadly.
“The Equalizer 3” reunites franchise veterans Richard Wenk and Antoine Fuqua as screenwriter and director, respectively, continuing their successful collaboration from the first two films. They also previously worked together on the 2016 reboot of “The Magnificent Seven,” which also featured Denzel Washington. You should also check Concerns Rise as 81-Year-Old Senate Leader’s Startling.
Produced by Fuqua and Denzel Washington, the film stars Dakota Fanning, Remo Girone, David Denman, Sonia Ammar, Andrea Doddero, Eugenio Mastrandrea, Gaia Scodellaro, Andrea Scarduzio, Bruno Bilotta, and others.
So, gear up for one last thrilling ride with Denzel Washington as Robert McCall in “The Equalizer 3,” hitting theaters this weekend. Don’t worry; we’ve got all the details you need to enjoy this action-packed finale!
