Equalizer 3 (Released 9/1/23)

A disappointing entry into the less-good cousin of John Wick. The only standout parts of this are the action scenes which are really solid. The plot however felt a bit flat. It just seemed like bad guys were introduced to be cannon fodder. It doesn’t have the charm of the first movie or the deep connections of the sequel. It just feels like an obligatory sequel so Denzel Washington can look like a badass one last time. There wasn’t much added to the story and it just felt like the generic retired badass defends his new home from a no-name mafia/cartel. There could have been so much more substance but it just wasn’t there. Hopefully, with a trilogy complete, they put this meh action franchise to rest. It doesn’t have the world-building of John Wick or the mindless action of The Expendables. It just exists.

Story - 14%

Characters - 16%

Pacing - 15%

Spectacle - 18%

Entertainment - 16%

Total score: 79%

Grade scale:

90%-100% = must watch

80%-89% = solid, but could be better

70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you

60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons

0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here