Film Review: In ‘Equalizer 3,’ Denzel Washington’s Avenger Confronts the Italian Mafia

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Despite the ongoing debate about the fading era of movie stars, Denzel Washington continues to cement his presence in the film industry.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Equalizer 3” may not be counted among Washington’s most memorable performances, but it does showcase the actor’s undeniable on-screen charisma. Interestingly, it is not in the film’s adrenaline-charged action scenes where Washington’s magnetism is most palpable, but rather in the quieter moments: whether he is savoring a cup of tea at a café or casually meandering through a Sicilian town. This film derives its allure less from its narrative framework and more from the sheer enjoyment of watching Washington deploy a range of emotions — from smirking to frowning to smiling — interleaved with scenes of violence.

The industry is no stranger to aging stars who, despite their advancing years, display dexterity and cunning in action roles. Figures like Liam Neeson, Harrison Ford, and Tom Cruise frequently populate this genre. Among these, “Equalizer 3” stands out for its visceral intensity.

Surprisingly, neither the film’s fast-paced combat scenes nor its rather cursory suspense serve as its main selling points. Penned by Richard Wenk, the movie opens with a series of lifeless bodies laid out in the main building of a Sicilian vineyard. In the wine cellar, we find Robert McCall (played by Washington), who casually remarks, “They wouldn’t let me in, so…”

The film is a loose adaptation of a 1980s television series featuring a retired intelligence agent who intervenes to level the playing field for ordinary people he meets. The third installment in the series retains a pleasingly episodic narrative structure.

After being shot, McCall is cared for by Enzo, a compassionate village physician portrayed by Remo Girone. The film was largely shot in the captivating medieval fishing village of Atrani along the Amalfi coast in Southern Italy — a location rendered implausibly devoid of tourists. McCall, recuperating and using a cane, appears to be the sole American visitor and quickly earns the villagers’ affections.

Simultaneously, the Camorra mafia escalates its encroachment into the village, seeking to displace the local residents to make way for commercial developments. Oblivious to the unassuming vigilante in their midst, the mafia’s conspicuously attired and tattooed henchmen converge upon the village.

Antoine Fuqua, a veteran in directing both previous “Equalizer” films as well as Washington in “Training Day,” remains in his element. The director captures the locale’s atmosphere while subtly incorporating Christian iconography. The film’s backdrop is further darkened by a menacing new drug sourced from Syria and peddled by the mafia, the proceeds from which finance terrorist cells.

Washington’s cool, calculated dismantling of the criminal organization is satisfying to watch, even as other characters, including intelligence officers portrayed by the likes of Dakota Fanning, merely follow his lead. The movie tacitly acknowledges that Washington is an unparalleled force, and “Equalizer 3” wisely refrains from pretending otherwise. In a world where not everyone is equal, this film is a potent reminder.

“Equalizer 3,” distributed by Sony Pictures, has received an R rating from the Motion Picture Association due to its strong violent content and some language. The film has a runtime of 109 minutes and earns a rating of three out of four stars.

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More about Equalizer 3 Review

• Antoine Fuqua’s Filmography
• Denzel Washington’s Career
• Original 1980s Equalizer TV Series
• MPA Film Ratings
• About the Camorra Mafia
• Amalfi Coast Tourism
• Sony Pictures Official Website
• Motion Picture Association
• Dakota Fanning’s Filmography