The Equalizer 2

The Denzel Washington remake of The Equalizer was a forgettable effort by the often credible Antoine Fuqua. Washington was the former agent trying to live a quiet and righteous life in Boston but when trouble lands on his doorstep he's forced to use his old skills once again. And the 2018 sequel The Equalizer 2 pretty much takes that template and does it again.

This time around one of his former colleagues is murdered and Denzel wants to know why! Along the way he helps his community, encourages the youth to stay away from violence and brutally murders a few thugs. It's an odd mixture but in thanks to Denzel reprising the lead he makes the sequel just about work because if it wasn't for him then this could easily be just another Steven Segal dumb action flick..

My problem with the sequel is that it just treads so much water in the beginning to flesh out a thin plotline to the point of wondering whether I had the right film on as Denzel works shifts as an Uber driver. Good action films find ways to expand the story and tie all the pieces together but here this felt very disjointed in places which sucked out any enjoyment. Nonetheless, we do get some great moments for Denzel to sink his teeth into as delivers a few decent lines and the climatic showdown in a stormy New England seaside town did raise the stakes a little adding some visual flair.

There's nothing offensively bad about the The Equalizer 2 but it's just not nearly as good a film as it should be to employ Denzel Washington who is worthy of so much more. Fans of the leading man will find enough to enjoy and it does improve some elements from the first film but this is one film I can't really recommend.