The Mosley Review: The Equalizer 3
Very seldom do film trilogies realize what type of genre they belong to and stick with it. The standard is to go big in the sequel and by the third film, pull out all the stops and have a major blast of a send off. Its a common downfall for trilogies that aren’t designed for that to do make that mistake. Its extremely rare for a franchise to circle back around to what made the first film fantastic and scale back down to a slower, smaller and more personal story. That is what this film did and it was a refreshing return of an almost forgotten style of storytelling. What I loved is the build up to the action and how precise it still was with every movement of the camera and brutal yet efficient execution the titular character dealt. The story itself isn't as earth shattering or epic as most would expect and that was its strong suit. It may come off familiar and stereotypical in many ways, but that didn't stop the film from being fun and exciting. The action in the film was great and I loved the cause and effect approach that most action have films have forgotten how to achieve. There is a reason for the carnage and doesn't have to involve a massive body count by the end.
Denzel Washington returns as the franchise hero Robert McCall and he hasn't skipped a beat. He is still that secretive, clean and precise avenger we all love but this time we get to see something that I want more characters to have. In this film, the actions of his life catch up to him and makes him come to grips with his vitality. I loved that for once he is actually looking for a peaceful life away from the world. It was a beautiful and warm ending for Robert that ties directly back to the first film. Dakota Fanning joins the franchise as CIA analyst Emma Collins and she was fantastic. The instant chemistry between her and Robert was awesome and wholesome. I liked her willingness to get into the investigative side of her job as this was her first major case. As a side note, its almost been 20 years since Denzel and Dakota have been on screen together and that chemistry and friendship is felt the moment they’re on screen together. David Denman was good as her CIA Operative partner Frank Conroy even if he's there just to showcase the international gravity of the situation and drive the exposition of the story forward. Remo Girone was great and loveable as Enzo Arisio. He really brings out the warmer side of Robert that I don't think he's seen in a long time and helps him appreciate the meaning of peace. Eugenio Mastrandrea was good as the town Marshal Gio Bonucci. He gets put through the ringer in the film and I loved that he never faltered. Andrea Dodero was great as your typical small time gangster Marco Quaranta. He is instantly despicable and its a testament to his excellent acting. Andrea Scarduzio was awesome and venomous as his older brother Vincent. I loved his vicious nature and his intensity once Robert comes on to his radar. The payoff in the conflict between was so satisfying and personal.
Marcelo Zarvos takes over as the composer this time around and he did a excellent job highlighting the beauty in the film and puncuating the action. The smooth, tense and slow building music to the action never over took the scenes, but the score really sores in the moments with the towns people. I loved the intimate way Italy is shown and how it highlights the food and its people. It was quite tranquil against the blood soaked action sequences. As I said before, the second film stayed true to the tone of the first film, but it quickly started to stray and become about the action set pieces. This film brings it all back and wraps up the story in a heartfelt way that may leave you wanting more, but doesn't over stay its welcome. I truly enjoyed this film and if you loved the first 2, then you'll enjoy this one. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in comments below. Thanks for reading!
