The Equalizer 3 (2023)

Denzel Washington as Robert McCall is back in THE EQUALIZER 3. But this time, he has decided to retire and settle in Southern Italy, enjoy a peaceful life, and make some local friends. Of course, as you would expect in an Equalizer movie, it doesn’t stay quiet for long, and McCall discovers that his new friends are under the control of local crime bosses –  and he wants to protect them.

The Equalizer 3 gets off to a slow start, but by the second half of the movie, things pick up. Of course, the plot is predictable, and there is nothing original about it. The action scenes are well choreographed and intense, contrasting with the beautiful Southern Italy backdrop to what is going on.

As usual, the tone of the movie is gritty, with rare moments of humour. Denzel Washington puts in a solid performance as Robert McCall. The rest of the cast is forgettable. The story superficially skates across themes of redemption, justice, and family. There’s nothing new. I enjoyed the soundtrack, but it’s standard stuff for an action movie. The dialogue is ok but doesn’t have any memorable lines.

I was entertained by Equalizer 3, but there’s nothing much to be emotionally invested in, and it is a by-the-numbers action movie with lots of explicit violence. The theme of community and family probably resonated with me the most.

If you are looking for an action movie to pass the time, particularly if you have seen the other two Equalizer movies, I’d check this out. But don’t expect a groundbreaking film with original ideas. Take plenty of popcorn!

(In cinemas in Australia – check your local movie guide for show times.)