Plot: What’s it about?
About the only thing I knew about The Equalizer was that it was a short-lived television show in the 80’s. That and it starred Edward Woodward (don’t ask how I recalled his name). The general gist is: A retired Intelligence Agent turned private detective helps various threatened clients to equalize the odds. Yep, that’s about it. Flash forward a few decades and we’ve had two previous installments that put Denzel Washington in the title role. The films were moderately successful, enough to warrant a bona fide “trilogy” and now we’ve arrived at the latest (final?) installment. The goal: wind the Robert McCall character down a bit. Do you think that happens? Of course not. Do we want to see 2 hours of a man sipping a drink and reading a book? I think not. Let’s dive in, it’s part three after all.
Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) is on Italy, the Amalfi Coast to be exact, on a mission and is wounded. A doctor treats his injuries and during his healing process McCall takes in the local atmosphere where he feels that this might not be such a bad place and that he’ll stick around a while. While here, he learns that wine bottles are being used to smuggle drugs into the region. The drug kingpin is the stereotypical violent thug who will stop at nothing to hurt anyone who dares get in his way. Enter CIA operative Emma Collins (Dakota Fanning), who relies on McCall and his “particular set of skills” for help. In essence we see McCall has found where he wants to be, but he also needs to be protected from the mafia. But McCall seems to attract trouble wherever he goes and that’s the genesis of the film.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to a “part 3” film: do what you’ve been doing or try something different. While some elements from the first two are present, this one has a different tone and vibe to it than the others. It works…sort of. On one hand we like to see Washington’s character be a total badass, taking out people in the way he did in the first one. But, people age and even a guy who “doesn’t look like he kills people” has to eventually wind down. It’s not bad, just different. And I do have to comment on the ongoing collaboration between Washington and Director Antoine Fuqua – this, as of this writing, is their fifth movie as Director/Actor (Training Day, The Magnificent Seven and all three Equalizer movies). That’s pretty impressive. Odds are that if you liked the previous two, this will fit the bill – just in a different way.
Video: How’s it look?
If you’re judging this movie by its cover, then you might ascertain that it’s a very dark movie. You’d be correct. But this 4K version makes more use of the limited color palette and the HDR showcases a bit more range than the Blu-ray. Thankfully Sony’s presentation of The Equalizer 3 is top notch and, in fact, nearly perfect. Black levels are strong and constant, shadows show no signs of movement or artifacting and contrast works well with the dark color palette. It’s not all dark, though, as we get some pretty majestic vistas from the Amalfi Coast. The film has a very lifelike, and filmily quality to it. Honestly no complaints here in the least – this is a bang up job.
Audio: How’s it sound?
Assuming you’ve seen the two previous installments, then you’ll know what to expect with this one. The Dolby Atmos mix makes for a very dynamic soundtrack that really leaves nothing to the imagination. Little things like clock radios even manage to engage the surrounds. Plenty of action sequences and gunfire ensue which engage the channels to bring you right in the middle of the action. Truly this is what Atmos soundtracks are for. Another nice effort and one of the more intense mixes I’ve heard in a while.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Deleted Scenes – 15 mintes’ worth are included, but were wisely cut. I can’t really imagine these scenes in the film as they offered nothing of substance.
- Blood Brothers: The Collaboration of Denzel Washington & Antoine Fuqua – Essentially that. This takes a look at the long-lasting relationship between the director and star Denzel Washington. The two first worked together on 2001’s Training Day which merited Washington a Best Actor Oscar.
- Call to Action – A glorified trailer that shows some of the film’s more adventurous scenes.
- Robert McCall: Man of the People – We get a look at the titular character as well as what makes him tick (accompanied by a montage of scenes, no less).
- Denzel and Dakota: The Reunion – Fanning and Washington first worked together on 2005’s Man on Fire and now, nearly two decades later they’re reunited. Isn’t that sweet?
- Postcards from the Amalfi Coast – The obligatory “this is a much nicer place than you’ll ever live” gives us beautiful images from an amazing place.
- Lyric Video – “Monster” by Jason Banks
The Bottom Line
Generally speaking if you’re watching a “Part 3” of anything, I’d say that you’re invested. Very few will start off on a film’s third installment and then say “Hey, I think I’ll go back and watch the first two.” Suffice it to say that this delivers more of the same and Sony’s audio and video presentation are second to none.
