The Equalizer: A Superhero Without the Costume

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Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Richard Wenk, “The Equalizer” is an action-packed film based on the television series of the same name. Denzel Washington plays Robert McCall, a mysterious man who appears to lead an average-Joe life until he witnesses some of injustices occurring in his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts.

The supporting cast provides great performances in “The Equalizer,” but it is truly Washington who steals the show.

Washington draws the audience into the normal but mysterious life Robert McCall leads. Working a typical 9 to 5 job at the local hardware store, McCall is a regular customer at a local café where he often catches up on some late night reading.

It is made apparent that McCall has some obsessive-compulsive tendencies, as he likes to keep to an exact schedule, and always sets everything on his table at the café in precise position. It is at this café that Robert becomes friends with another regular customer, Alina, a young girl who is involved in the sex-trade in order to make-a-living.

After finding out that Alina has been hospitalized following a vicious attack from her pimp (Slavi), Robert change roles from a typical civilian to a “superhero,” coming to the girl’s aid by killing the man who harmed her.

Consequently, this sparks a feud between Robert, and Vladimir Pushkin and his enforcer Teddy. From this point on, the film is action-packed with multiple fight scenes. Robert’s obsessive-compulsive tendencies are evident even when he is in action battling off villains, as he likes to time himself during these disputes.

Given that Robert aims to rectify many of the unethical social issues occurring in his hometown, it appears that he takes on a more realistic superhero role, without the typical superhero attire that your friendly neighborhood spider-man would wear.

Robert defends innocent and honest civilians from corrupt police officers, abusive pimps, and selfish robbers. In addition to saving Alina from her pimp, Robert saves his co-worker’s mother from corrupt police officers who were forcing the family to pay an unjustified monthly fee for their business. The unconventional superhero also catches a robber who came into his place of employment in order to steal not only money from the cash, but the unique ring on the cashier’s hand.

“The Equalizer” is a must see action movie for those who enjoy the genre. The film will keep your attention from its beginning until the credits start rolling. It may even keep you seated until the credits are done rolling, as Eminem raps a motivational song depicting his troubled youth and his current status as one of the world’s most famous and talented artists. Check out the soundtrack for “The Equalizer” to hear the full version of the song “Guts over Fear” by Eminem featuring Sia.

Emily is in her fourth year of Political Science. She loves studying and academics which follows into her research work. She's a stern black coffee drinker and is a proud Acadienne. When she's not working or doing school work, you can find Emily listening to 70s music on vinyl and watching Parks and Recreation. If you ask her about parliamentary institutions, she won't stop talking.