I loved the 80’s TV series The Equalizer with Edward Woodward. Having seen pretty awful film versions of other beloved series such Miami Vice and the A-Team I wasn’t looking for to this film outing. To be fair the film version of The Equalizer does star Denzel Washington so we’re off to a good start. That said the film shares very little resemblance to the TV series which I take as a good thing. Does that mean it works? Let’s find out, so without further ado here’s my The Equalizer blu-ray review.
- The Equalizer (2014)
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- Directed by Antoine Fuqua
- UK Rating 15
- Discs: 1
- Released By Sony Pictures
- Blu-ray Released: 26 January 2015
Plot
Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) is a guy with a secretive past. He’s working at a Home Mart DIY store and seems to be just getting on with his life. However when a situation occurs with a teenage prostitute that he has befriended it prompts him to take action.
Style / Direction
The films directed by Antoine Fuqua whilst the cinematography is handled by Mauro Fiore. The action sequences are stylishly done whilst the overall tone if the film is dark but with plenty of lighter moments.
Music / Audio Effects
The music score comes from Harry Gregson-Williams and suits the film perfectly. That said it still nowhere near as good as the TV Series the film is loosely based on.
Acting / Characters
Denzel Washington is doesn’t disappoint in this action thriller. He’s a tough yet mysterious fellow that has a past that is slowly revealed over the 132 mins.
Cast
- Denzel Washington as Robert McCall
- Marton Csokas as Teddy Rensen/Nicolai Itchenko
- Chloë Grace Moretz as Alina/Teri
- Melissa Leo as Susan Plummer
- Bill Pullman as Brian Plummer
- Johnny Skourtis as Ralphie
- Haley Bennett as Mandy
- David Harbour as Frank Masters
- Vladimir Kulich as Vladimir Pushkin
- David Meunier as Slavi
- Alex Veadov as Tevi
Conclusion: The Equalizer (2014) Film Review
The Equalizer is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining action thriller. Washington suits the action hero role perfectly. Instead of being a poor imitation of the great TV series the film actually creates its own world. This means there not much point in comparing it with the TV show.
In doing this the film stands out and creates its own place in the action genre. I really enjoyed it, seeing Denzel using the various tools and materials found in a DIY store to dispatch the bad guys is thoroughly entertaining.
If you enjoyed my The Equalizer blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: The Equalizer Blu-ray Review
The film only came out in 2014 so the picture quality is perfect. Now on to the extras and all aspects are covered. There a plenty of behind the scenes interviews and information of how the film came to be made and casted. Overall it’s a perfect set of extras well worth a look.
Extras
- Inside The Equalizer (8 mins)
- Denzel Washington: A Different Kind of Superhero (7 mins)
- Equalizer Vision: Antoine Fuqua (7 mins)
- Children of the Night (5 mins)
- One Man Army: Training & Fighting (7 mins)
- Home Mart: Taking Care of Business One Bolt at a Time (2 mins)
- Photo Gallery
Popcorn Cinema Rating: The Equalizer (2014)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: VERY GOOD
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Amazon UK Links
The Equalizer (2014) blu-ray is available now.
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The Equalizer (2014) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not representative of the Blu-ray version
That concludes my The Equalizer blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review at least one Denzel Washington film a week. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: The Equalizer (2014) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The Equalizer (2014)
Duration: 132 mins
Director(s): Antoine Fuqua
Actor(s): Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace, Melissa Leo, Bill Pullman
Genre: Action
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Washington doesn’t disappoint in this excellent action thriller.
