The Equalizer (2014)
McCall believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when he meets Teri, a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can’t stand idly by – he has to help her. Armed with hidden skills that allow him to serve vengeance against anyone who would brutalize the helpless, McCall comes out of his self-imposed retirement and finds his desire for justice reawakened. If someone has a problem, if the odds are stacked against them, if they have nowhere else to turn, McCall will help. He is The Equalizer.
Details
Budget
$55,000,000
Rating
7/10 (9240 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Lonetree Entertainment, Columbia Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, Escape Artists, LStar Capital, Mace Neufeld Productions
About The Equalizer
The 2014 film "The Equalizer" is an action-thriller that features a former black ops operative, Robert McCall, who has faked his own death to live a quiet life. However, when he encounters a young woman under the control of Russian gangsters, his past skills are reawakened, and he becomes a vigilante seeking justice for the helpless. The narrative explores themes of revenge and vigilantism, driven by McCall's mysterious past and his commitment to confronting corruption and organized crime.
The film's action sequences often focus on hand-to-hand combat and interrogation, placing McCall in situations where he leverages his commando training against sociopathic adversaries. It delves into the dynamics of a loner navigating a world of sadism and violence, using surveillance and strategic planning to outmaneuver his opponents. The plot involves elements such as hostage situations and fake deaths, building a suspenseful atmosphere around McCall's pursuit of justice.
"The Equalizer" has a runtime of 132 minutes and received a vote average of 7 out of 10 from over 9,000 votes on TMDB. It holds a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb based on over 460,000 votes, a 61% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, and a Metacritic score of 57/100, indicating a generally mixed to positive reception for its blend of crime and action elements.
Why you might be searching for The Equalizer
People often search for "The Equalizer" due to its memorable portrayal of a retired operative with a mysterious past, specifically a black lead character who acts as a vigilante. Searches also reflect interest in the film's antagonists, including a well-dressed Russian gangster, and the specific action sequences, such as a doorman saving a girl from dangerous individuals.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found the movie predictable but engaging, particularly due to Denzel Washington's performance.
Read the full reviewA critic praised the film as an entertaining vigilante story, highlighting Denzel Washington's portrayal of a calm, calculating, and compassionate character, and the well-developed psychopathic antagonist.
Read the full reviewA viewer noted that while the movie is a standard vigilante action flick with some forgettable supporting elements, Denzel Washington's performance elevates the experience, making it a worthwhile watch.
Read the full reviewThis review acknowledges the film's lack of suspense regarding the outcome, but appreciates the menace created by the lead actors and the brutal, straightforward revenge thriller narrative.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream *The Equalizer* on HBO Max, YouTube TV, TNT, TBS, and tru TV. It is also available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-equalizer)
*The Equalizer* (2014) is not based on a true story. It is based on the 1980s TV series of the same title. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Equalizer_(film))
At the end of *The Equalizer*, Robert McCall travels to Moscow to confront Vladimir Pushkin, the Russian oligarch behind the crime syndicate. McCall kills Pushkin's guards and then tricks Pushkin into electrocuting himself. Afterward, Alina, the teenage girl McCall protected, has recovered and started a new life, not knowing McCall left the money for her. Inspired by helping others, McCall begins to respond to online ads for help, adopting the moniker "The Equalizer." [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Equalizer_(film))
*The Equalizer* is considered a decent thriller with a strong performance from Denzel Washington, who contributed to his character's backstory, including giving him obsessive-compulsive disorder. While some find the plotting cliché and the film a bit long, the action scenes are praised for being solid and intense. [imdb.com](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455944/)