Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Denzel's TV-based action thriller is violent but stylish.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Equalizer
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 26 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a mix of stylish action and extreme violence, featuring pervasive language and intense gore that may be unsettling for younger viewers. While some appreciate its gripping plot and strong characters, many agree it is not suitable for anyone under 14 due to its graphic content.
- graphic violence
- vulgar language
- strong characters
- not for kids
- stylish action
- inappropriate themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 young Nova (Chloë Grace Moretz), who's being coerced into sex work by Russian gangsters, Robert decides to take action. Effortlessly killing five men, he creates trouble for a much larger criminal network, and a dangerous fixer called Teddy (Marton Csokas) is called in. Meanwhile, Robert 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 Robert save the day?
Is It Any Good?
This film may 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, getting to know what makes them tick. Csokas' character has a history and is shown to be smart, rather than just evil, while Nova's resilience and dreams of becoming a professional musician are heartwarming.
But Fuqua does best when he focuses on Robert, who's tough and nearly invincible, like a superhero, while still having doubts and personal demons that are endlessly fascinating. It's too bad that the film's biggest strength -- Washington, that is -- overpowers the rest of the movie. Supporting characters like Nova and Robert's lovable co-worker Ralphie (Johnny Skourtis) never learn to stand on their own. At every turn, Robert is there to save the day. He's a compelling hero, but it's to the detriment of everyone else's character arc.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Equalizer's violence. If the main character is supposed to be a hero, 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 Chloë Grace Moretz, who was younger than 18 at the time of filming, playing a sex worker? What's shown and not shown? What's discussed and not discussed?
Is Robert a role model? How did you feel about his brutal killings? Were they justified? How would you feel about someone like this in real life?
How are women portrayed in The Equalizer? Are they empowered, or victimized? If you could change the script, what might you do similarly -- or differently -- with the film's female characters?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 26, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : December 30, 2014
- Cast : Denzel Washington , Chloe Grace Moretz , Marton Csokas
- Director : Antoine Fuqua
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , African American Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Sony Pictures Releasing , Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement , Racial justice ) , Sports ( Martial arts )
- Run time : 131 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody violence and language throughout, including some sexual references
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate