Action movie sequels are funny, we go because we are excited to see our heroes again and we want to know what happened after they last defeated the bad guys. Mostly, we want to see what our star looks like after all this time – that’s what it really is.
In this case, Denzel Washington never fails to give us what we want. As Robert McCall, yes, he’s aged a bit but he still looks good and yes, he can still perform to our satisfaction. He is believable and we feel for him, sadness because he’s gone through so much, and happiness because he can still defeat the bad guys! Ahhh Denzel . . . . he’s still got it.
Equalizer 2 had a bit of action, it was a tad predictable, we figured out right away that it was an inside job, that his friend was in on it and that they would come after him after killing his friend. I was hoping there would be more of his relationship with the young Miles, played by Ashton Sanders, the seemingly gifted artist he had taken under his wing. We hope we can see the outcome for that relationship, there’s always room for Equalizer 3!
All of the actors, seasoned and weathered all, gave good performances, I loved, loved, loved Orson Bean as the elderly man who achieved his greatest wish after telling his story to Mac. The storylines were a little weak but enjoyable, it was a nice movie. McCall was a do-gooder keeping his deadly tendencies under check, barely, until provoked. I liked it.
Not bad for a sequel, it could have used a bit more of . . . . everything but worth the time if you are a Denzel Washington fan. No muss, no fuss afternoon at the movies. Eat the popcorn!