The second and last sequel to the remake of the 1985 TV series “The Equalizer 3” is a comfortably entertaining action thriller that brings back Robert McCall for one final mission to protect his newfound home from organized crime. The film, directed by Antione Fuqua from a screenplay by Richard Wenk, stars Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, David Denman, Sonia Ammar, Remo Girone and Andrea Scarduzio.
Set a few years after the previous installment, former U.S. Marine and DIA Agent Robert McCall, played by Washington, has continued his bloody work of righting the wrongs in the world. After being critically injured in his latest mission, McCall must hide out in a coastal Italian town as his body recovers. However, he is quickly pulled back into action by the escalating violence of the Camorra, powerful mobsters set on commercializing the town by violently expelling the residents.
Washington’s natural charisma easily translates to the methodically reserved demeanor of McCall, making for a consistently compelling screen presence. Fanning does an adequate job in her role as CIA agent Emma Collins, providing a lawful contrast to the rogue vigilante. The rest of the cast demonstrate believable performances, even if none of them particularly stand out.
The film marks Fuqua’s third directorial turn for the “Equalizer” franchise, and it shows. The action is quick and visceral, with exceedingly competent cinematography that does not hide choreography with amateur editing.
But with all that said, even the most inspired director and talented cast can fall short when both must answer to a weak script. Wenk’s screenplay coasts on cliches, ticking all the standard hero boxes with barely a hint of originality. McCall’s story is a rehash of the first film, offering only a cosmetic setting change to the Italian coast. His supporting cast is underdeveloped, only serving as living props that cry out for a savior. Large amounts of screen time are dedicated to seeing them brutalized with a borderline exploitative attention to detail, as if this is supposed to be just another facet of the entertainment value.
Overall, “The Equalizer 3” is certainly a fun time at the theater, and it is held back by an unambitious screenplay that underserves a far more interesting main character.
