Is the audience still captivated by Robert McCall’s brutal actions in “The Equalizer 3,” the latest installment in the Equalizer series starring Denzel Washington as the protagonist? Seasoned filmmaker Antoine Fuqua is continuing his work on this second and final sequel, featuring new additions to the cast such as Dakota Fanning, David Denman, Sonia Ammar, and Remo Girone. The question remains: will this third series maintain the same appeal as its predecessors?
The plot unfolds with McCall (Washington) sustaining serious injuries in a small town on the outskirts of southern Italy after a shootout with the local mafia. A doctor comes to his aid and insists on him staying there longer. The warmth of the residents and the peaceful atmosphere make McCall feel at home until a gangster begins to disturb the city. McCall, utilizing his exceptional skills, assists the townspeople. It turns out that the case he is facing has strong ties to an international terrorist network, leading him to seek help from Emma Collins, a CIA agent (Fanning).
Unlike its predecessor, which was filled with brutal action, the second sequel adopts a more dramatic approach. The story becomes warmer and is dominated by the daily routines of local characters. The plot’s tempo is relatively slow, mirroring the protagonist’s contemplative mood as he starts to yearn for a peaceful life. McCall’s chemistry with Emma feels more like a father-daughter relationship than that of fellow (ex) agents. While this may disappoint fans of the previous series, the strong nuance of the protagonist’s “penance” provides a different touch. In contrast to the two previous series, characterized by cold and brutal actions, the climactic scenes now feel less biting and softer.
Despite opting for a dramatic approach over action, “The Equalizer 3” remains captivating due to the star’s charm. The city setting’s atmosphere adds an exotic feel to the series. Those seeking McCall’s brutal actions in eliminating criminals might be disappointed, as his trademark precise and timely actions are largely absent, except for the opening segment. The concept of old vigilantes serving as enforcers of justice and operating outside the law may be becoming saturated for the genre, exemplified by Liam Neeson and Gerard Butler. For those dissatisfied with Robert McCall’s concluding story, an action film featuring veteran heroes, “Expendables 4,” is set to be released soon.
