But the previous movie and the entire first act promised, or at least, established a tone, that's different than what we're actually given, instantaneously switching gears when his dearest friends Susan and Brian (Melissa Leo and Bill Pullman) are suddenly entangled in what turns out to be the true central plot. Only, his gifts are utilized for an unsolved crime that's personal and hits close to home, which on its own right wouldn't be a complaint. Ironically, that's precisely what we're given in The Equalizer 2, and for the most part, Antoine Fuqua does great in displaying McCall's highly-proficient talents in espionage. It would be a story where we see McCall hone his skills into detective work, on the road towards private eye ventures. Whether he's inflicting violent retribution upon a private party of "brahs" or lending an ear to Holocaust survivor Sam Rubinstein (Orson Bean), the film starts on a fascinating and engaging note that teases us with the possibility of a murder mystery plot and an effort to bring justice for the victim's family. And it's these moments of McCall employing the same skills he once used to harm people now dedicated to protecting the vulnerable which fans were expecting to see more of. The first quarter of Richard Wenk's script is dedicated to our anti-hero being witness to the unfortunate stories of his passengers, along with the occasional inspiring anecdote.
THE EQUALIZER 2 FULL MOVIE DRIVER
With simple facial expressions, which rapidly switch from warm smiles to somber grimness in an instant, Washington effortlessly gains our sympathies, slowly exposing more of himself, humanizing this veteran who believes he should be punished a hundred times over for his past actions.Īnd herein lies both the film's strength and weakness as we follow McCall now living in Massachusetts, working as a Lyft driver while also assisting those in need - the vigilante angle promised at the end of the first installment. And Denzel Washington's sterling performance only adds to the character's mystique, further piquing our curiosity and marvelously adding a level of grounded complexity during the few times McCall momentarily lets his guard down and reveals a wounded man. In fact, our interest in this direct follow-up to 2014's sleeper hit is largely due to the retired military spy Robert McCall, a quiet and reserved man whose brooding restraint generates an aura of mystery that curiously masks a damaged and deeply scarred soul.
In spite of all its flaws and shortcomings, The Equalizer 2 somehow manages to keep audiences engaged just enough to see it through to the end, much like the film's titular character.
0 kommentar(er)
