The Equalizer 3 (2023)

User Review

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  ScreenZealots

  4 / 10

  When the whole film franchise was already fatigued, it seems like a given that another Equalizer sequel would be a completely pointless exercise. Yet here we are with “The Equalizer 3,” a sparse, boring sequel that feels even more impotent than its 2018 predecessor. This is a case of a talented director (Antoine Fuqua) and charismatic superstar (Denzel Washington) who at this point are just going through the motions, lending an undertone of apathy to the film which makes it difficult to develop any emotional investment.
  
  Robert McCall (Washington) has given up his life as a deadly government assassin. He still can’t come to terms with all the horrific things he’s done over the years, but he tries to forgive himself by dishing out vigilante justice and coming to the aid of the oppressed. After another murderous spree, Robert finds himself in a charming Italian seaside village. Taken with the locale and the friendly townspeople, he feels right at home — until the local crime bosses begin attacking his new friends. Robert decides to take on the mafia in order to protect his new way of life.
  
  The story is lacking, and it feels more like an Italian mob movie rather than a Hollywood star vehicle for Washington. This by-the-book crime narrative isn’t original, and attempts to tie the movie together with the other films is confusing (does anybody really remember the characters in part one or two)?
  
  Fuqua’s brand of bloody violence is on full display. The jarring scenes of Robert murdering dozens of bad guys may be what audiences clamor to see, but it’s monotonous, gratuitous, and exhausting. It’s easy to become desensitized to the graphic kills as more and more bodies pile up.
  
  “The Equalizer 3” isn’t even a good standalone film, much less a satisfying sequel. It’s past time to put this franchise and character out to pasture.
  
  By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS

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