The Equalizer

Movie review by Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media
The Equalizer Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

Denzel's TV-based action thriller is violent but stylish.

R 2014 131 minutes
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Parents say

age 16+

Based on 10 reviews

Kids say

age 14+

Based on 26 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Equalizer is a Denzel Washington action thriller that's (loosely) based on the same-named 1980s TV series. It's very violent, and although Washington plays a good guy who's very helpful to those around him, he kills lots of bad guys in brutal, bloody ways (including guns, knives, a corkscrew, a shot glass, barbed wire, and a power drill). Language is also very strong, with many uses of "f--k," as well as other strong words. Some of the female characters are prostitutes, and though their business is more alluded to than discussed, it's fairly obvious. Actress Chloe Grace Moretz wasn't yet 18 when she filmed her part, which involves wearing sexy, revealing clothing (but there's no actual nudity). Some brand names are shown, and Russian gangsters drink some vodka. Though it's violent, the movie is also very stylish, and Washington's character is appealing in a superhero, Jack Bauer-like way.

Community Reviews

J0E
J0E Adult
August 3, 2019
age 14+

Violence is quite graphic but can be handled by mature people

The Equalizer is a good movie for mature children of 14 years and older. The fight scenes are fairly graphic with blood being shown very often. However if your 14 year old is mature they will find this easy enough to cope with. There isn’t a huge amount of swearing but there is the occasional “What the F—k” or “You B-tch “. All in all I believe that this movie is ok for mature 14 year olds and older.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much consumerism
Sissylee33
Sissylee33 Adult
June 25, 2018
age 16+

ABSOLUTELY LOVE this Movie - but NOT for the little ones

Looked at the general review under "sex", as I always do for movies. My kids are a bit older, so the violence is not usually my issue - Older children need to know about the violence in the world, we must address these issues with them as parents because they Will learn about it soon enough. MY ISSUE is when I am surprised by sexual content or specific use of vulgar language...a young prostitute relaying what her pimp told her as he threatened cutting another girl's throat, "He said a whore that F**** but does not speak might be worth twice as much." AND this same pimp talking to Denzel's character saying, "She must be good at sucking the c*** ' - I like to know these things up front, such a crude and vulgar reference to women is NOT a seed you want to plant in growing boys (or girls for that matter.) That being said, the movie itself was Awesome for older audiences! We love Denzel Washington and, despite the violence, it is nice to see justice served without all the red tape involved that let's the criminal get out in the end to do it again. For all of you who tout "Violence is Not the answer," I say to take a history class. The human race has always been prone to a level of violence, and most people won't be persuaded by your pleading words to do what is right - ASK any victim of a violent crime. We need more people like the Equalizer in the World fighting for the innocent (AND, by the way, he treats the young prostitute with compassion, NOT judgement - THAT is a wonderful lesson in itself)...a Feel Good Film with a happy ending, perfect way to end a long day in the real world.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Based on the 1980s TV series that starred Edward Woodward, THE EQUALIZER centers on Robert McCall (Denzel Washington), a retired secret agent who's trying to live a normal life in Boston, working at the Home Depot-like Home Mart. When he meets a young prostitute (Chloe Grace Moretz) living under the control of Russian gangsters, McCall decides to take action. Effortlessly killing five men, he creates trouble for a much larger criminal network, and an expert problem solver called Teddy (Marton Csokas) is called in to get McCall. Meanwhile, McCall helps out some of his co-workers with other problems as the gangsters realize that they can use his friends to get to him. Everything builds to a showdown at the store. Can McCall save the day?

Is It Any Good?

This film many not be particularly deep or profound, but it's a well-made (if violent) action thriller. The Equalizer re-teams director Antoine Fuqua and star Washington; their previous collaboration, Training Day, won Washington a Best Actor Oscar. They seem to bring out the best in each other. Fuqua spends luxurious sequences listening to his characters talk to one another, listening, getting to know what makes them tick. This goes for good guys and bad guys alike; Csokas' character has a history and is shown to be smart, rather than just evil. But it works best for Washington's character. McCall is tough and nearly invincible, like a superhero, but he has doubts and personal demons that are endlessly fascinating; the great actor never runs out of things to do onscreen.

On the action front, Fuqua builds slowly to his fight scenes, generating suspense and creating atmosphere, especially in the lengthy showdown in the home improvement store.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about The Equalizer's violence. If the main character is supposed to be a good guy, why are his killings so bloody? How would the movie have been different with less violence? Would it have the same impact?

  • How did the movie handle the issue of the young prostitute? What's shown and not shown? What's discussed and not discussed?

  • Is the main character a role model? He's selfless and helpful and does many good deeds, but he's also exceedingly violent and brutal in his killings. How would you feel about someone like this in real life?

  • What did you think of the scene in which the main character sits at a table with the bad guy and has a discussion? Does it deepen the characters, or did it just slow down the plot? How?

Movie Details

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