DIRECTOR: Antoine Fuqua
PRODUCERS: Jason Blumenthal & Antione Fugua & Todd Black & Denzel Washington &
Tony Elridge & Steve Tisch & Alex Ziskin & Michael Sloan & Clay Townsend
WRITERS: Richard Wenk
PERFORMERS: Denzel Washington Dakota Fanning David Denman Remo Girone
Andrea Scarduzio Adolfo Margiotta
"Justice knows no borders"... those words could not be any truer, especially in the case of this film which wraps up the saga of Robert McCall, a former assassin played brilliantly by Oscar winner Denzel Washington. That being said, the finale of McCall comes to a satisfying conclusion in the tradition of trilogy franchises in "The Equalizer 3."
Following parts 1 and 2, McCall seeks for a life away from the killings, but is drawn back into them when a small town is terrorized by a gang no one dares to cross. Then McCall finally decides enough is enough and takes a stand himself. The thing about that is his crusade against these sadistic individuals is that it's not for himself, but for the people who live there. Much like 'The Magnificent Seven', McCall fights for those who can't fight for themselves while bonding with them. In so many ways or another, Washington's performance keeps you on edge and as usual, siding with him. He may be beyond his years of his acting range, yet he proves here that he's not lost his touch. He just gets better and better every time.
As the story progresses, so does the supporting characters. One that caught my attention, was Dakota Fanning. Seeing her in this was like old times, except she's grown and in her own womanhood. If anyone remembers '2004's Man on Fire', you'll see the difference between then and now. First, he protects her, then he guides her in this one like a mentor who never left her side (PROVERBS 27:17). The villains, on the other hand, were the least interesting due to lack of characterization but were just as sadistic in their ways when in power and control. Yet every time they got their comeuppance, something inside made you cheer like being at a football stadium. The climax was also something to remember because of the way it was executed, and the way Washington was tormenting his victim before his demise.
There's hardly anything about this film to complain about or even dislike, but what could have been better was the romantic story line between McCall and a waitress. That one went without a proper wrap-up and even though this about a guy who can't have attachments in his life, this one attachment would have been nice to see finalized by the time all was said and done. The waitress character was someone that deserved a resolution just as much as anyone else and if done correctly, could have been given the right closure in her journey. Every character (main, supporting, or side) has a story with a beginning, a middle and an end and hers was nearly ignored without warning and without reason. Nonetheless, a very well played concept with potential to make this more watch worthy.
Despite there being no over the top effects or cheesy CGI, this third chapter did very well and Director Antoine Fugua wraps up the story and journey of McCall very well. The performances were stellar, the story was well told and on top of that, ties up all the loose ends that was established in the first two. Admittingly, I had my doubts about this, but was proven wrong when seen firsthand. 'The Equalizer' films is not a rehash of 'Man on Fire', but one journey of a man seeking to find his place in the world and this one sums up the completion better than one would expect. Even the action speaks for itself, no explanation needed and no introduction for that matter, just plain 'this is who I am, and this is what I do!' Washington and Fuqua are such a dream team that there's no way these films would have worked without them. If you haven't seen this yet, give it a shot... you might be surprised. But not before seeing the first two that started them.
MY RATING: 3 out of 4