EQUALIZER 2 REVIEW (MINOR SPOILERS)

Equalizer 2 is the sequel to 2014 film "The Equalizer" directed by Antoine Fuqua. The sequel again stars Denzel Washington as the deadly ex marine Robert McCall.

At the end of the first film we left off with Robert offering his services to those in need, he had become the equalizer trying to right the wrongs of the world. The sequel begins with a sequence on a train with McCall disguised as a Turkish man. as expected Robert engages with his targets and swiftly dispatches them, returning a child to her mother who had been kidnapped.

It was a promising start, however as the movie progressed it's flaws began to show. Compared to the original which goes along at a steady pace with action set pieces sprinkled throughout. The sequel suffers from pacing issues and at times I felt bored. The film focuses alot more on the relationships Robert has with the few people close to him, specifically his old marine partner. There's good chemistry between the two and their scenes together are great.

For a large portion of the film there's a lack of agency as there's no main antagonist for Robert to fight, again comparing to the original, the Russian mobster is a constant threat to Robert keeping the film focused. This is where the sequel fails as it isn't until we are a good half an hour into the film does the plot focus on a single narrative, who attacked Robert's friend from the CIA, Susan.

Robert then goes on a manhunt to find those responsible, there are a few twists and turns on the film that keep the hunt interesting. when the ones responsible have been revealed the climax of the film involves Robert returning to his seaside home during a storm and a game of cat and mouse ensues with Robert picking them off one by one. the climax fails to pack the same punch the original gave especially with the badass soundtrack combined with it. the sequel's soundtrack feels very muted and doesn't utilise the original's theme as effectively.

I really enjoyed the original Equalizer, it was a fun action thriller that knew what it was. The sequel tries to be something more, with a stronger push towards drama, it ultimately fails in this as it sacrifices the constant action and pacing from the original. The best praise I will give the film is that Denzel Washington is on fine form, an actor who rarely disappoints. If you enjoyed the first you will probably like this one but will find it lacking in some aspects. It should have stuck more with the formula of the original.

Above average but would only recommend if you enjoyed the original Equalizer.  6/10.