“The Equalizer 3: Denzel Washington Strikes Back”

The Equalizer 3: More of the Same Violent Action

Moral Ambiguity and Gender Representation

In Antoine Fuqua’s action franchise, The Equalizer, the protagonist Robert McCall, played by Denzel Washington, serves as a relentless killer who slaughters to save innocents from exploitation and murder. The movies, known for their inventive and gory deaths, position Robert as a good man fighting against evil forces. However, the franchise falls short when it comes to moral ambiguity and gender representation.

Throughout the three films, there is a clear distinction between good and evil, with little room for gray areas. Robert only metes out justice to male characters, leaving female characters as murder victims or damsels in distress. This lack of agency for women in the films is regressive and raises concerns about gender representation in the franchise.

While it may seem like a waste of mental energy to complain about gender representation in a film primarily focused on brutal fight scenes, it is important to note that Fuqua has attempted to make these movies something more than just action films. Unfortunately, he has consistently failed to do so.

Directorial Craftsmanship and Missed Opportunities

Despite the shortcomings in storytelling, Fuqua’s direction in The Equalizer 3 showcases his gritty style and attention to visual details. Each setting is distinct and thoughtfully constructed, providing a sense of place. Fuqua’s ability to elevate action movies through his directorial craftsmanship should be appreciated.

However, it is disappointing when this style is paired with a script that feints at deeper meaning but misses the mark. The Equalizer 3 fails to match the talent that Denzel Washington brings to the role of Robert McCall. Washington’s nuanced performance and unflappable charm make the films watchable, even when the scripts and excessive gore tempt viewers to look away.

Although The Equalizer 3’s screenplay is an improvement over the previous film in the series, it still falls short in delivering a coherent narrative. While the film hits the same beats as its predecessors, it lacks creativity and relies too heavily on neatness and meaning, leaving little room for surprises.

A Formulaic Entry for Existing Fans

The Equalizer 3 is likely to satisfy existing fans of the series who enjoy the mixture of Washington’s monologues, violent action, and Fuqua’s energetic direction. The movie offers more of the same, with the only real surprises being the inventive ways in which Robert kills his enemies.

However, for those who found the formulaic story and cruel streak off-putting in previous films, The Equalizer 3 may not offer anything new. The movie can be seen as a Peckinpah-wannabe pulp, lacking originality or depth.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Ultimately, The Equalizer 3 is a violent action film that falls short in exploring moral ambiguity and offering meaningful gender representation. While Fuqua’s direction and Washington’s performance elevate the films to some extent, they ultimately fail to reach their intended goals.

For fans of the franchise who enjoy the mix of monologues, violence, and energetic direction, The Equalizer 3 will likely provide satisfying entertainment. However, those who seek films with more depth, originality, and thoughtful storytelling may find this entry lacking.

As for Fuqua, he should consider diversifying his directorial portfolio by exploring genres outside of action. By challenging himself with different storytelling approaches and themes, Fuqua may ultimately create films that resonate more deeply with audiences and offer a platform for meaningful discussion and introspection.