The Equalizer 3 (2023) | Film Review

The concept of “home” is undeniably intriguing. Often, we define “home” as the place where one permanently resides, especially as a member of a family or household. What some folks tend to overlook is the key part of that definition that states, “especially as a member of a family or household.” You see, there have been numerous instances in my life when I’ve felt like I had a home or at least a place to call my own. At this very moment, I do have a place; my belongings are there and my beloved dogs, who hold the keys to my heart, live there. However, it doesn’t quite feel like a home. The times I’ve truly felt at home are the moments when I sensed that my heart wasn’t just shielded but also nurtured, cherished, and held in high regard. So, why am I kicking off a review about Denzel Washington’s and Antoine Fuqua’s latest foray into the life of Robert McCall, The Equalizer 3, in this way? Well, that’s about to become crystal clear.

This new chapter picks up after that devastating loss, showing us a different side of Denzel’s McCall – he’s angrier, more reckless, almost unrecognizable from the man we’ve come to know. As he recuperates in this charming town, we witness him finding his place, which soon evolves into a genuine home, surrounded by people who accept him without dwelling on his past, recognizing the good heart that lies within him. It’s a touching transformation that explains the level of brutality he’s willing to employ in order to protect these newfound connections, and I mean brutality with a capital “B.”

I’d love to delve deeper into various aspects of this movie, but honestly, there isn’t a whole lot to dive into. It’s worth noting that Dakota Fanning makes an appearance as an operative Robert inexplicably trusts, which is a cool connection in both the storyline (though it’s quite predictable) and because this marks her return to the screen alongside Denzel since 2004’s Man on Fire.

We kick things off with a man and his son rolling up to an Italian villa, a winery, or something like it. Right away, we’re confronted with what can only be described as a gruesome scene, with chaos and bloodshed scattered in all directions. There’s a clear trail of destruction and the landowner is progressively more shocked as we tag along with him. Our journey eventually leads us to a room where a seemingly guarded Robert McCall is seated. He gives this man a life-defining ultimatum with just a few seconds to decide. Sadly, the man makes the wrong choice.

Cut to Robert making his exit, but he’s not unscathed. Despite his severe injuries, McCall, driven by sheer determination, manages to get up, hop in his car, and drive off, although it’s unclear where he’s headed. Succumbing to blood loss, he’s stumbled upon by a compassionate constable from a quaint Italian seaside town who takes him to the local doctor. The doctor wastes no time in nursing McCall back to health, showing him kindness that he hasn’t experienced in a long while.

As time goes by and McCall mends, he becomes integrated into the fabric of the town. They embrace him, making him a part of their community, showering him with the kind of kindness he’s been deprived of for far too long. Naturally, as the story goes, the town faces a threat from a criminal element, and McCall is driven to act. After all, he’s a man who knows how to deal with such matters.

The story here is solid. It might not be the type that breaks new ground, but it’s brimming with heart. Paired with the enchanting backdrop of this picturesque Italian seaside town, the genuinely portrayed townsfolk, and the straightforward equation of A+B= Robert McCall being a total badass, it all comes together quite nicely. Now, the villains in this installment of the Equalizer series might feel a bit like your standard cookie-cutter baddies, but they take a back seat to the real story unfolding.

You see, Robert suffered the loss of his “north star” in his friendship with Melissa Leo’s Susan Plumber. Susan was the one who gave him the green light to do what needed to be done, she provided him with crucial information, and most importantly, she was the friend who truly understood and accepted him for who he was. That level of compassion and care has long been gone from Robert’s life ever since.

The townsfolk in the film are like your typical small-town folks – charming, caring, loving, and all-around nice. However, none of them really stand out for any reason other than being strikingly beautiful. Kudos to Gaia Scodellaro for that. As for the villains, well, they’re here doing their typical villainous things, but they don’t bring much to the table in terms of depth or complexity.

Ultimately, this story serves as a placeholder. On the one hand, it can set the stage for more adventures with Robert McCall, as he continues to act for the greater good and plays a role in shaping the career of a budding CIA agent. On the other hand, it could also serve as a farewell to our hero.

The Equalizer 3 proves itself as a solid installment in the series. It may not reinvent the wheel, but what sets this franchise apart is its ability to blend action seamlessly with a profound sense of heart. It’s not just about thrilling sequences and high-octane stunts; it’s about a character with depth and a storyline that resonates emotionally.