In the cinema, this year, I don’t think I can say I’ve seen a horrible movie. I’m discerning with which film I invest my time with. However, I haven’t seen anything yet that has been ground-breaking.
Today’s film, “The Equalizer”, is of the standard “one-man-army” sub-genre of action films. Denzel Washington plays a mysterious, yet good-natured man working in a hardware store who, through a strangely familiar set of circumstances, ends up showing his roots as a baddie beatin’ bad-ass.
“Strangely familiar” as there are various plot lines and tropes in this film which have similarities to others I have seen or heard of, besides the simple fact that it is of its genre. I won’t spoil anything, but one major part of this movie has an uncanny resemblance to “Taxi Driver”, a film that is far superior to this one.
This film isn’t bad, though. The violence, particularly in the exceedingly long finale, can be over-the-top at times, but it is at least stylishly handled by the director of “Training Day”. Washington, as always, is brilliant. Even in bad films he can be a shining star of gravitas.
That this film is similar to others need not be a downside. I understand that all art is inspired by others. “On the shoulders of Giants” as Isaac Newton and my Grandfather have both been quoted as saying.
Recommended Scenario: When you want to watch a pretty decent action movie starring a man who actually knows how to act!
If what I have written tells you that you would like this film, you can book tickets to see it at your local Cineworld here.
