Netflix fans are being urged to rediscover an action movie with a ‘classic Denzel Washington’ performance.
The Equalizer, now accessible on the streaming giant’s platform, is a contemporary adaptation of the 1980s television series of the same name, with Washington stepping into the lead role of Robert McCall.
As per the film’s synopsis, McCall, having left his violent past behind, opts for a peaceful existence.
However, upon witnessing a young girl, Teri, under the control of brutal gangsters, he once again takes up arms in the pursuit of justice.
Despite only achieving a 61% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the 2014 release raked in an impressive $192 million at the box office.
This performance was strong enough to warrant two sequels, which US subscribers can also find on Netflix.
The Equalizer’s initial cinematic run was somewhat eclipsed by the similar release John Wick. The Keanu Reeves hit, which spawned its own franchise, was released just a month after Washington’s film, reports the Mirror US.
The similarity between the films may mean many cinema fans have yet to uncover the original Equalizer.
Washington, no stranger to the action genre following his acclaimed performance in 2004’s Man On Fire, delivered a performance in The Equalizer that some fans argue surpasses it. Antoine Fuqua, who directed The Equalizer trilogy, even suggested the third instalment was a spiritual successor to Man On Fire.
Opinions on Reddit vary widely about the action-packed drama of The Equalizer.
One fan posted: “I enjoyed The Equalizer more in general, the way some of the stuff is cut together in Man On Fire is really atrocious.”
On the flip side, another enthusiast chimed in: “Classic Denzel Washington. Does amazing work in this one as always. Good action as well.”
Further praise comes from a fan who shared their two cents: “It’s pure entertaining action drama which gives you John Wick type vibes. I’m not comparing the movies, both are good in their own style. The story was simple and effective, the screenplay was good but little bit loose, the direction was good and the performances were also good especially Denzel’s.”
Conversations often draw parallels between The Equalizer and John Wick, with a movie buff suggesting: “Well if you’ve watched John Wick, then you have got to see this. Not only it has such badass moments intricately represented by Denzel Washington but also has moments that give you that ‘feel good’ when you see him going about his business.”
They added: “Action is neatly choreographed and in certain scenes you don’t need to think how that guy went down. Special mention to the subtlety that The Equalizer brings to the table which seemed to be lacking in John wick. Definitely worth your time!”.
And, encapsulating the essence of the film, one reviewer summarised: “It’s like Sherlock Holmes meets John Wick with a hint of the Accountant. Best of all there is compassion and a will to do good.”
The Equalizer is streaming on Netflix.