The Equalizer 3 is the third and final installment of the action thriller franchise starring Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, a former government assassin who uses his skills to help the oppressed.
The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua, who also helmed the previous two films, and features a reunion between Washington and Dakota Fanning, who co-starred in Man on Fire (2004).
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about The Equalizer, including its release date, plot, cast, and reviews.
Release Date
The Equalizer 3 is set to hit theaters on September 1, 2023, which coincides with the Labor Day weekend in the US.
The film will also have a one-week exclusive run on IMAX screens, giving the fans a chance to experience the action-packed scenes in a larger format.
The film is distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing, which has been behind the success of the franchise since its debut in 2014.
Plot
The plot of The Equalizer 3 follows Robert McCall as he tries to find peace in Southern Italy, after having retired from his life as a vigilante.
However, he soon discovers that his new friends are under the control of the local crime bosses, who are part of the Camorra, a powerful mafia organization.
McCall decides to take on the challenge and free his friends from their oppressors, using his lethal skills and cunning tactics.
Along the way, he also encounters a mysterious woman (played by Fanning), who seems to have a connection to his past.
Cast
The cast of The Equalizer 3 is led by Denzel Washington, who reprises his role as Robert McCall for the third and final time.
Washington is one of the most acclaimed actors in Hollywood, having won two Oscars for his performances in Glory (1989) and Training Day (2001).
He is also known for his roles in:
- Malcolm X (1992)
- Philadelphia (1993)
- Remember the Titans (2000)
- Flight (2012)
- The Tragedy of Macbeth (2022)
Dakota Fanning joins the cast as Emma Collins, a mysterious woman who crosses paths with McCall in Italy.
Fanning is a former child star who rose to fame with her roles in:
- I Am Sam (2001)
- War of the Worlds (2005)
- The Twilight Saga (2009-2012).
She has also appeared in films such as:
- The Runaways (2010)
- Ocean’s 8 (2018)
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
The supporting cast includes:
- David Denman as Frank Conroy
- McCall’s former colleague and friend; Sonia Ben Ammar as Chiara Bonucci
- One of McCall’s new friends in Italy; Remo Girone as Enzo Arisio
- The leader of the Camorra; and Eugenio Mastrandrea as Gio Bonucci
- Chiara’s brother and Arisio’s right-hand man.
Reviews
The reviews for The Equalizer 3 have been mostly positive, with critics praising Washington’s performance, Fuqua’s direction, and the film’s action sequences.
The film has a score of 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 100 reviews.
The critical consensus reads: “The Equalizer 3 mostly makes up for its formulaic story with generous helpings of cathartic action.”
On Metacritic, the film has a score of 64 out of 100, based on 25 reviews.
Some of the positive reviews are:
- “Washington delivers another solid performance as McCall, bringing charisma and gravitas to a character that could have been easily reduced to a cliché. He also shares a great chemistry with Fanning, who adds some emotional depth to the film.” – Michael Balderston, What To Watch.
- “The Equalizer 3 is a satisfying conclusion to the franchise, offering plenty of thrills and chills for fans of the genre. Fuqua knows how to stage impressive action scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat.” – Brian Lowry, CNN
- “The Equalizer 3 is a fun ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a tribute to Washington’s star power and Fuqua’s skillful direction that they can make this familiar story feel fresh and exciting.” – Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Some of the negative reviews are:
- “The Equalizer 3 suffers from a lack of originality and innovation. It’s a predictable and formulaic sequel that doesn’t offer anything new or surprising. The film relies too much on Washington’s charisma and fails to develop its supporting characters or villains.” – Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
- “The Equalizer 3 is a disappointing end to the trilogy, wasting the potential of its premise and cast. The film is bogged down by a dull and convoluted plot, a bland and forgettable villain, and a tonal inconsistency that makes it hard to care about the stakes.” – Mark Kermode, The Guardian
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Conclusion
Equalizer 3 is the final chapter of the action thriller franchise starring Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, a former government assassin who helps the oppressed.
The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and features a reunion between Washington and Dakota Fanning.
Equalizer 3 has received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised Washington’s performance, Fuqua’s direction, and the film’s action sequences.
The film is set to hit the theaters on September 1, 2023, and will also have a one-week exclusive run on IMAX screens.
If you are a fan of the franchise or of Washington’s work, you should definitely check out The Equalizer.
