The Equalizer 3 is a 2023 action flick. In this movie, angry and brooding Denzel Washington beats the Italian Mafia to a pulp and crushes them. It is part of the Equalizer film franchise.
A word of caution, on one hand, this film boasts of many brutal and bloody violent scenes. On the other hand, this cinema is set in a beautiful historic town located in South Italy.
In case, you have not seen the Denzel Washington's The Equalizer 1 (2014) and The Equalizer 2 (2018) movies, then check out our article about the same on our Focus Magazine.
Synopsis (summary) of Denzel Washington’s 2023 action movie
Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) has struggled to reconcile the horrific things he’s done in the past and finds a strange solace in serving justice on behalf of the oppressed. Finding himself surprisingly at home in Southern Italy, he discovers his new friends are controlled by local crime bosses.
As events turn deadly, Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) knows what he has to do: become his friends’ protector by taking on the mafia.
Movie review of the Equalizer 3 (2023) film
About “The Equalizer” movie franchise & its inspiration
“The Equalizer” movie franchise is based on “The Equalizer” a long-running television series from the USA, which was telecasted from 1984 to 1989. Both the series and the movies have a simple storyline – its protagonist Robert McCall calls himself “The Equalizer”, who looks out for the little guy – the desperate people caught in desperate situations.
About “The Equalizer 3” movie
Robert McCall finds himself recuperating in a scenic beach town in Southern Italy. In this lovely Italian town, he meets and becomes friends with some of the friendliest and most helpful people. No wonder, Robert finally finds some kind of peace in his troubled life, as he is on friendly terms with ordinary people living around his host’s house.
But the peace and harmony do not last for long for Robert McCall and the townspeople. As his host, Dr. Enzo confided in him about the troubles in a proverbial paradise.
Dr. Enzo Arisio (said in the film): What happens here, happens in many towns. The mafia. They're like cancer. No cure.
Thus, in this third instalment of The Equalizer film. As the film’s tagline rightly says – ‘Justice Knows No Border’. Henceforth, in this film, Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) crosses the border of the United States of America. Especially, this seems so true for Robert McCall, who decides to confront the Mafia in Italy. So, he takes on the very well-entrenched and dangerous Camorra, the Italian Mafia-type criminal organization and criminal society. As he tries to buy peace for himself and his friends.
Storyline of “The Equalizer 3” movie
This action-packed film has a very simple storyline – it is about the good guy Robert versus the bad people Camorra. These bad people use threats, intimidations and severe beatings. They even inflict horrible physical and psychological pain on the friends of the good guy. Robert and his friends are cornered by them. So he decides to fight back against the Mafia. In his typical style, as the dialogue in the following scene at an eating joint depicts.
Robert McCall (said in the film): Is that a Timex? Marco Quaranta (said in the film): No, it's a B... Robert McCall (said in the film): [grabs Marco's arm] That's the median nerve that I'm compressing. On a scale one to ten, that's two. That's three. You don't want me to go to four. I go to four, you shit yourself. You don't want that? I don't want that! They don't want that! Tell your compadres that they can leave. Tell them to beat it!
So, in this film, Camorra does really distressing things to good people. But then Robert intervenes and stands up to their bullying. In retaliation, angry Robert really crosses the line.
Actor Denzel Washington & director Antoine Fuqua 5th collaboration
This action movie is the fifth collaboration between the actor Denzel and the director Antoine Fuqua. In the past, they have worked together in action films like – Training Day (2001), The Equalizer (2014), The Magnificent Seven (2016) and The Equalizer 2 (2018).
Please note that in some of The Equalizer 3 (2023) film posters (international posters & US IMAX poster) have various variations of the phrase 'The Final Chapter' as the tagline. However Antoine Fuqua in an interview while promoting the film has said a prequel and a sequel could happen if Denzel was still interested. And we hope to see more of Denzel as the Equalizer.
Both Denzel and Antoine have made a bunch of highly entertaining action thrillers. And we really hope that both of them continue to do the good work of The Equalizer movies.
About Denzel & Dakota’s reunion in this film & other cast members
In this film, Denzel Washington (Robert McCall) acted with Dakota Fanning (Emma Collins) after the Man on Fire (2004) film. At that time, when she was merely 10 years old. However, other actors do not have much screen time and acting to do in this film. Denzel dominates in almost all the frames of this film. He has to participate in many fight scenes involving fistfights, knives, guns, bombs, etc.
More about Denzel the action star & the conclusion
Although, we must honestly admit that Denzel Washington is convincing as a deadly and dangerous action hero. And sometimes, its raw and realistic violent scenes were really too much for all of us. Sometimes, the only way out for Denzel to escape the cruel iron fists of the Camorra is to fight back. Consequently, he responds with much greater ferocity and determination.
And this is what Denzel Washington (as Robert McCall) does best in this film. He gives you a few seconds to decide, as the following video link will show. Denzel is a modern-day warrior.
Robert McCall (said in the film): Nine seconds. That's what I'll give you to decide your fate. Nine seconds. “I Give You 9 Seconds” Scene | YouTube Video link.
This is an ideal film for all the action movie buffs. Besides for the fans of Denzel Washington, it is a good movie to watch it. We are assuming that you have seen part one and part two of The Equalizer films. Moreover, this 2023 part three film has quite a few stylish shots and unforgettable action sequences.
Molto Bene! Very good!
Rating of Denzel Washington’s 2023 action movie
| FM’s rating | 3.75/5 |
| FM’s short comments | This film is worth watching for the warrior Denzel Washington (as Robert) still packs a lethal fighting skill set to take out the small Mafia. army. |
Poster of Denzel Washington’s 2023 action movie
Key details of Denzel Washington’s 2023 action movie
| Genre | Action, Mystery, Thriller |
| Original language | English (USA) with a bit of Italian |
| Age-restrictions | A (18+) / R |
| Released in | September – October 2023 |
| Film duration | 1 hour 49 minutes |
| Writer | Richard Wenk, Michael Sloan & Richard Lindheim |
| Director | Antoine Fuqua |
| Cast | Denzel Washington (Robert McCall), Dakota Fanning (Emma Collins), David Denman (Frank Conroy), Eugenio Mastrandrea (Gio Bonucci), Gaia Scodellaro (Aminah), Remo Girone (Enzo Arisio), Sonia Ammar (Chiara Bonucci), Andrea Scarduzio (Vincent Quaranta), Andrea Dodero (Marco Quaranta), etc. |
| Taglines | Justice Knows No Borders. |
| Distributor | Columbia Pictures |
Trailer of Denzel Washington’s 2023 action movie
The Equalizer 3 - (2023) Film Exclusive Red Band First 10 Minutes | YouTube Video link.
Featured Image & Poster of The Equalizer 3 Film | Columbia Pictures & Sony Pictures.
