TL;DR
Denzel Washington's return as Robert McCall in The Equalizer 2 is a watchable, though somewhat disjointed, sequel. While it trades the visceral thrill of the first film for more character focus and a weaker villain, Washington's magnetic presence shines through. The film explores McCall's relationships and his past, but the narrative feels inconsistent, lacking the sharp focus of its predecessor. Despite its flaws, the UHD release boasts impressive visuals and audio, making it a solid, if not stellar, addition to Washington's filmography. Ready to see if this sequel lives up to the original? Dive into the full review!
Denzel Washington remains one of the most respected and accomplished actors of our time. A prominent figure in the American film industry, he is esteemed for his professional integrity and dedication to both his craft and family. Prior to The Equalizer 2, Washington had notably refrained from participating in sequels, a stance he perhaps should have maintained. While The Equalizer 2 is not a cinematic failure, it is unlikely to be remembered among his more distinguished works.
Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua have maintained a successful collaboration since Training Day, 2001.Following the events established in the first film (The Equalizer), which depicted Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) as a retired CIA operative driven by a strong sense of justice, McCall now resides in a new city on the US East Coast. He works as a Lyft driver to support himself. However, his past in black operations is never far from the surface, as evidenced in the film’s opening scene, a notable highlight. Disguised as an imam, he confronts a group of child kidnappers in Turkey, delivering a harsh lesson against judging individuals based on appearances. Subsequently, when a CIA asset in Belgium is murdered by highly skilled operatives, McCall’s former CIA superior (Melissa Leo) becomes involved, leading to a deeply personal conflict for Robert McCall.
The Equalizer 2 presents an inconsistent narrative. Its tone differs significantly from its predecessor, which featured a more visceral and direct approach, highlighted by a formidable antagonist in the form of Marton Csokas. A central weakness of the sequel is the absence of a clear and compelling antagonist. The film attempts to incorporate elements of a “thriller,” but the casting choices make the allegiances of the characters predictable (a persistent issue in Hollywood). Consequently, when the antagonists are revealed, they lack a credible sense of threat. Furthermore, the film explores numerous subplots, dedicating considerable time to McCall’s relationships with a troubled young neighbor and an elderly Holocaust survivor whom he drives regularly. While these elements are not inherently negative, their integration with brief, geographically diverse sequences intended to create a sense of scale feels disjointed. Ultimately, the core narrative is relatively contained, with limited large-scale action sequences or elaborate locations. The final confrontation feels somewhat staged, despite attempts to emulate the western-style showdown of Fuqua and Washington’s previous collaboration, the 2016 remake of The Magnificent Seven.
Nevertheless, Denzel Washington’s charisma and the quality of the UHD release elevate the film above simple mediocrity. The visuals are crisp and natural, effectively capturing the atmosphere of the US East Coast and showcasing striking evening scenes with excellent contrast between the deep blacks of night and the city’s illuminated areas. The audio, presented in a bass-rich Dolby Atmos track, is also well-executed. Experiencing The Equalizer 2 on a high-quality home theater system offers a significantly enhanced viewing experience compared to watching it on a standard television or streaming it on a computer, where it may feel akin to a made-for-TV movie. The supplemental material is limited but provides additional context and insight into the production, as well as featuring Denzel Washington, who, it is easily forgotten, will be retiring this year as he approaches his 65th birthday in December.
In conclusion, The Equalizer 2 offers acceptable entertainment for an evening, incorporating action elements with a surprising amount of character-driven drama. While the original film was stronger and more engaging, Denzel Washington’s compelling performance ensures that the film remains watchable. The UHD release is well-produced and benefits from being viewed on a system with high-quality picture and sound capabilities.
