The Equalizer 3 (2023) Movie Review
Synopsis:
After years of protecting the innocent, assassin Robert McCall finds a home in Southern Italy. Sicilian crime boss Vincent Quaranta (Andrea Scarduzio) begins terrorizing the local populace. When the situation arises, Robert McCall puts his skills to the test yet again.
Review:
Directed once again by Antoine Fuqua, The Equalizer 3 serves as the conclusion to this film series. He also brings a similar style alongside it.
As expected, The Equalizer 3 contains the same brutal action as the previous two films. Although the action is impactful, there is very little of it.
This film also contains Antoine Fuqua’s signature visual style. This is despite The Equalizer 3's limited action sequences.
For context, the film takes place in southern Italy. With it, the visuals capture the viewer with many location shots.
These visuals capture Italy’s rustic architecture and shorelines with care and attention.
Where The Equalizer 3 stumbles is with its main plot structure. As an example, it meanders during the film’s middle section.
This film opens with a brutal action sequence. After this, The Equalizer 3 drags once this scene has concluded.
This is because of a plotline involving Dakota Fanning’s character, Emma Collins. For context, her character works for the CIA in the film.
As a whole, Dakota’s performance is decent. Despite this, her character isn’t given much to do beyond answering Robert’s calls.
It is with this plot line that The Equalizer 3 has difficulty establishing an identity of its own.
Despite this plot slowing down proceedings, character performances are often good.
Denzel Washington as Robert McCall is the film’s spark once again. It is evident, though, that this spark begins to flicker over time.
Sicilian mafia boss Vincent Quaranta is the film's antagonist.
He also has some presence by Andrea Scarduzio. As a whole, he is not a very active antagonist.
Despite this, Andrea’s performance is serviceable in matching the film’s tone.
As for The Equalizer 3’s soundtrack, Marcelo Zarvos takes over from Harry Gregson-Williams.
His score doesn’t match the quality of some of Harry’s compositions. Regardless, it complements the action well enough.
Conclusion:
As the final film in The Equalizer series, The Equalizer 3’s brutal action and visuals should please most fans.
Antoine Fuqua’s final film stumbles with its plot execution. This is the case with the CIA plotline involving Dakota Fanning’s Emma Collins.
It is with this plot that the film meanders, with little substance to back it up.
This film’s middle stumbles. Regardless, its actors seem capable and deliver good performances.
Denzel Washington is the film’s central star, reminding fans that his acting days aren’t over yet.
As a whole, Denzel’s performance is good. Despite this, the Robert McCall character may have lost some of its spark.
Andrea Scarduzio's Vincent Quaranta has a limited appearance. Regardless, he is a decent antagonist in this film.
Marcelo Zarvos's score and soundtrack are also a competent replacement for Harry Gregson-Williams.
Although not reaching the quality of some of Harry’s previous work on the other films, Marcelo’s score has its moments.
In conclusion, The Equalizer 3 may disappoint some fans with its lack of action. It also has a meandering plot.
Despite this, the action is as brutal as ever, which may be enough to please fans of The Equalizer.
Sam’s Action Reaction score:
Characters - 6.5/10
Story - 6/10
Action - 7/10
Visuals - 7.5/10
Soundtrack - 6.5/10
Overall score: 6.7 out of 10
