OVERALL:   Sequel! Sequel! Sequel!!!!! It was so good I want a sequel. 🙂 And there could be one too. 🙂

POINTS:  Very well made movie. Technically exquisite. Well done, director Antoine Fuqua. Well done!

PITFALLS:  I’ll let ya’ know when I think of some. Oh wait – where’s the DVD and the sequel?

FEMALE CHARACTER(S): Although they barely interact, the female characters run from interesting to fantastic. Chloë Grace Moretz‘s character could have been a cliche victim but giving the role to a fine actress kept it fresh. then there is the glorious Melissa Leo, who I have loved for at least two decades, kicks butt in her role. (Plus her role was a surprise and I liked that very very much.)

CULTURAL PITFALL(S): Hmmmmmmm… Well perhaps Russian and Eastern European people might be tired of being portrayed as gangsters and slavers. That’s pretty much it.

HIGH POINT(S):

1.) Denzel Washington. It is always a pleasure watching this American acting treasure flex his muscles. He looks lean and fit, yet is also a gentle soul. He takes the screen and makes this movie his own. Hats off to him and Antoine Fuqua for casting him.

2.) Surprise Scenes. There were two scenes that surprised me. One a bit, one a lot. Since they are  spoilers, you have been warned.

* BEGIN [SPOILER ALERT] *

3.) The “Skills Reveal” Scene. That’s what I call it. You wondered about Robert McCall, our hero, from the beginning. A very disciplined person who did his job well. He was kind to his coworkers and supported them. Yet when he walked into the criminal den, you just felt that well, he had some special skills but you didn’t know how special. Well wow. The fight scene was masterfully done. Just perfect. When you get a feel for characters in a fight scene, well people, that is fine movie making.

4.) The CIA Liaison Reveal. Ah. When Robert pulls up to the beautiful Virginia mansion you just know he is going to talk to an old, high-up CIA buddy. The cool thing: It is a woman. So cool. The first few shots are even set up to make you think it is a man. Loved it.

* END [SPOILER ALERT] *

BECHDEL TEST (Website): 1 of 3. Still had wonderful female characters.

RACIAL BECHDEL TEST (Website): 3 of 3. There is a scene where the hero interacts with some PoC coworkers and it is good. It is a short

IMDB:  The Equalizer (2014)

OFFICIAL MOVIE WEBSITE:  The Equalizer

DVD/BLU-RAY WORTHY: Yes, please, now!!!!!!

LION PAW PRINTS:  3 of 5.