Reel Reviews

The Equalizer -- The world is littered with action movies exactly like this one. So why is this one in particular so satisfying and enjoyable to watch? Mostly, for the performance by Denzel Washington, who lives up to his usual standards in creating a character the viewer can’t help but believe in. (Washington is remarkably expressive even when he’s doing nothing. His expressionless silences say more than the efforts of 90% of all working actors today.) There’s also an intriguing bit of subtext about the characters Washington’s McCall helps; the hero encourages these lesser lights towards a belief in themselves that is belied by the bigger currents on display in the plot of the movie. Creative and intellectual dissonance, or a purposeful contradiction the viewer is invited to consider? You’ll have to judge that for yourself; give yourself that chance by watching this movie.