The Equalizer (Movie)

Review by Sunday Simmons

‘Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer…’ From Stewart Copeland’s iconic theme tune, to Edward Woodward’s stoic but massively enjoyable performance as super secretive vigilante Robert McCall, The Equalizer was arguably one of the best of the more serious action shows of the 80s. First airing in 1985, and with a healthy 4 season run before its end in 1989, the show was littered with top name guest stars, including Tele Savalas (Kojak), Kevin Spacey (Con Air), Christian Slater (Heathers), and Macauley Culkin (Home Alone). The series proved so popular it spawned not one but three movie spin-offs, and a reimagining, rebooted series in 2021 with Queen Latifah (Hairspray, Chicago) taking over the titular role. But today we’re going back to 2014, and that very first Equalizer spin-off movie.

The Equalizer movie hit the big screen with legendary Hollywood and Broadway actor Denzel Washington (Malcolm X, Man on Fire) taking on the role of former Marine Robert McCall. Retired from his action-packed vigilante life, McCall is just trying to live out his days as a retail worker – which in itself requires a brave soul – when he’s dragged back into his previous world. Teenage trafficking, the Russian Mafia, and a whole host of seedy characters bring McCall back into action, big time!

If I’m being perfectly honest, I’m not entirely convinced Denzel was the right match for the role of Mcall, but that’s just down to personal opinion. I love to see him in a more serious setting, something he can get his teeth into, and I feel his talents are a little underused in a generic action movie like this. However, that’s a small whinge about a film that pulls no punches and isn’t afraid to go all out on the action.

The Equalizer movie acts almost more of an origin story than a sequel to the series; grittier, stylish, but far more violent than its 80s counterpart as Washington doles out vengeance to the max. Does the plot make a whole lot of sense? Not really! But the film is massively enjoyable nonetheless, and with a stellar supporting cast including Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass, The Amityville Horror), David Harbour (Stranger Things, Violent Night), and the brilliant Bill Pullman (Spaceballs, Independence Day), it boasted fairly positive critic reviews. Good enough for it to spawn a second outing in 2018, and a third and final instalment in 2023.

All in all, I can’t say this compares to The Equalizer I watched and loved in the 80s; that series had a charm that wasn’t easily repeated in the spinoff movies – mostly down to the era and the excellence that was Edward Woodward. But for those who never watched the original series, then this film is everything you could possibly ask of a high-octane action movie. A highly polished and massively tweaked 80s remake for the 2000s audience, The Equalizer movie is available to stream on Netflix and YouTube -  so go give it a watch!