'The Equalizer 2' Pulls The Trigger For A New Action Franchise

The Equalizer 2 brings back Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, the  protector of the oppressed equalizing bad deeds with courageous authority. He's back hiding in plain sight as a seemingly dark angel disguised as an ordinary man. This time with a troubled youngster (Ashton Sanders) under his wing, as he seeks justice for the death of his friend, Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo) killed by the same assassins wanting nothing but to destroy him.

Denzel Washington as Robert McCall | Columbia Pictures

Denzel Washington's filmography spans from drama films to action, and he's always been remarkable when it comes to the latter. From Malcolm X, to Training Day, and The Equalizer, he maintains his exceptional frondeur presence. With his action career continuing to keep up, The Equalizer seems like his Mission: Impossible, or Die Hard, or Bond. This is his first sequel ever so that's probably a career direction that he wants to take.

This is also Washington's fourth collaboration with Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer, Magnificent Seven), and it's difficult to say that they're moving in a dynamic direction. Equalizer 2 is a bit reserved compared to other action franchises in recent years, and while this caters Washington's gripping acting capability, to the point where he somewhat reprises his tough-patriarchal role in Fences, it's not enough to make this franchise outstanding. He's backed by a great cast in Ashton Sanders and Melissa Leo, as two significant characters in the film, but there's not much to explore in their characters related to Washington's McCall.

The Equalizer seems focused on making a franchise that involves more plot, and less action when it could combine both in a compelling way. Unfortunately, the convoluted plot drags in the first half. Good news is that it picks up big time in the second with a nail biting house hunt with Ashton Sanders, and a great action set piece in a seaside town during the middle of a typhoon. It's like watching a twenty-minute video of Counter Strike with all the hiding and seeking, waves crashing, rain pummeling, and guns a blazing.

Overall, while it seems that it takes its audience seriously by showcasing a decent plot with legitimate action stuff, the future of Equalizer might not be as clear as this whole sequel ought it to be.