The Equalizer 3 (2023)
Justice Knows No Borders
Official Synopsis
Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Robert McCall has struggled to reconcile the horrific things he’s done in the past and finds a strange solace in serving justice on behalf of the oppressed. Finding himself surprisingly at home in Southern Italy, he discovers his new friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do: become his friends’ protector by taking on the mafia.
The Equalizer 3 continues the redemptive adventures of Robert McCall. A lethal mercenary who dedicates his life to leveling the playing field against evil and corrupt forces who prey on the helpless. There is no shortage of stories to tell, considering the origins of the character, so it's not too surprising that the audience still enjoys watching these adventures.
🎬 Production & Cast
Denzel Washington elevates the final instalment with some strong character work of his likeable, yet lethally deadly lead character.
The key to these stories are the villains. They have to be so despicable and unsavory that it's actually enjoyable to see McCall dispense justice with his slow burn torture and lethal equalizing. That is certainly the case here, with some of the most abhorrent antagonists to ever cross paths with McCall. Especially enjoyable is when Marco Quaranta (Andrea Dodero) learns a hard lesson on why it doesn't pay to be bad in McCall's presence.
Joining the series is an affable Dakota Fanning, marking a reunion with Washington since they shared the screen in Man on Fire. In terms of where this film ranks, I'd argue it's probably the best of the bunch definitely superior to the second film.
✅ Pros
- Satisfying Man on Fire reunion with Dakota Fanning.
- Classic "slow burn" justice and lethal equalizing.
- Superior character work by Denzel Washington.
❌ Cons
- Generic plot beats found in the middle act.
- A rushed ending, that is supposed to possibly provide series closure, but feels insincere.
The Reunion
Nearly 20 years after Man on Fire, Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning reunite on screen. This casting choice adds a layer of affable nostalgia to the chronicle, making their shared scenes feel like a sincere milestone for fans of both actors.
Italian Setting
The production utilized the Amalfi Coast to create a visual prism of serenity versus violence. This aesthetic departure from the previous films provides a handsome, grounded backdrop that elevates the standard vigilante tropes into a beautiful curio.
Fast Facts
- The Trilogy Closer: Director Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington confirmed this as the final chapter of Robert McCall's journey, making it a landmark entry for the franchise.
- Atrani Location: Much of the film was shot in the small village of Atrani, chosen for its labyrinth-like streets that enhanced the suspenseful nature of the third act.
- Physical Prep: Despite being in his late 60s during filming, Denzel Washington performed many of his own stunts to maintain the visceral and masterfully executed realism of the fight choreography.
- Box Office Success: The film debuted at #1, proving that the appetite for this specific brand of gritty, justice-driven storytelling remains a solid achievement in the modern landscape.
My Review
The Equalizer 3 continues the redemptive adventures of Robert McCall. A lethal mercenary who dedicates his life to leveling the playing field against evil and corrupt forces who prey on the helpless.
There is no shortage of stories to tell. Considering the origins of the character. So it's not too surprising that the audience still enjoys watching these adventures. It also helps that one of the greatest actors in film history, in Denzel Washington, playing this classic character.
The key to these stories are the villains. They have to be so despicable and unsavory that it's actually enjoyable to see McCall dispense justice with his slow burn torture and lethal equalizing.
That is certainly the case here. With some of the most abhorrent antagonists to ever cross paths with McCall. We can't help but cheer when they get their comeuppance. Especially enjoyable is when Marco Quaranta, played by Andrea Dodera, crosses paths with McCall and learns a hard lesson on why it doesn't pay to be bad in McCall's presence.
Joining the series is an affable Dakota Fanning. Which is a reunion with Washington since they memorably shared the screen in another revenge film Man on Fire.
She's a welcome addition. Especially when we discover how she ties into the whole trilogy.
In terms of where this film ranks with the other two. I'd argue it's probably the best of the bunch. There possibly could be some debate with the first film, considering the nostalgia factor. But this is definitely superior to the 2nd film.
The Equalizer 3 is a satisfying conclusion to a revenge filled trilogy of violent action packed films. Denzel Washington elevates the final instalment with some strong character work of his likeable, yet lethally, deadly lead character. He carries the weight of regret, with world weariness, yet hope, as he searches for redemption within a corrupt unjust, unmerciful world.
I'm looking forward to the continuing adventures. I believe 2 more films have been announced for the franchise. As long as Denzel is willing and able to keep playing McCall these stories should continue to entertain.
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