Tag Archives: Antoine Fuqua

Action, Crime, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

THE EQUALIZER 3 (2023): The Things I Liked…

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The final instalment of Denzel Washington’s The Equalizer franchise is quite a pleasant surprise. The deliberately slower pace during the first half might have irked me greatly had it not felt strangely meditative in a good way. 

Additionally, it isn’t the type of slow that has you doubting the filmmaker’s skills because what’s happening is still quite engaging. 

I find the pace of the first half much closer to the kind of ‘slower beginning’ that other skilled directors have utilised to great effect. To name just two examples, Blade Runner (1982) and A History of Violence (2005). 

My ability to tolerate the slow beginning is also probably helped by the film’s southern Italy/Sicily location, one of my favourite places to visit and watch on screen. 

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, The Equalizer franchise follows a man (Robert McCall) who takes it upon himself to serve unflinching justice to those who have it coming. As such, in the second half of the movie, during scenes when said justice is served, at the very least, I expected to be pleased. What I didn’t anticipate was finding myself expressing audible glee. The kind close enough to levels I had not experienced since the super evil King Joffrey Baratheon finally got all he deserved in Game of Thrones.

The Equalizer 3 is worth watching to see the satisfying way the franchise ends. It’s also for you if you like seeing bullies silenced, enjoy the beautiful sights of Sicily, and you’re into fun/thrilling action sequences that require you to leave expectations of realism safely at home. Lastly, you’ll need to be okay with gratuitous violence because there is quite a healthy serving, but not too much more than in previous Equalizer movies.

I am super glad that the Equalizer films happened. As satisfying as it has been to watch the cocky villains deservedly meet their ends, there is still only one scene that springs to mind whenever I think of the franchise. The famous gun-snatching scene from The Equalizer (2014), of course.

Watch it all, if you’re crious.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Crime, Drama, Thriller

THE GUILTY (2021) New Trailer From Jake Gyllenhaal, Bill Burr, Paul Dano, Ethan Hawke…

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The Guilty (2021). Jake Gyllenhaal, Netflix
The Guilty (2021). Jake Gyllenhaal, Netflix

Read my spoiler-free movie review of  The Guilty (2021).

Jake Gyllenhaal, Ethan Hawke, Bill Burr and Paul Dano are the stars of director Antoine Fuqua’s latest, The Guilty.

And action/thriller, the story follows Joe Baylor (Gyllenhaal), a demoted police officer assigned to a call dispatch desk. Baylor finds himself conflicted when he receives an emergency phone call from a kidnapped woman.

I’m pretty sure that Dano and Gyllenhaal are only ever in good movies. I sometimes say things like: ‘I didn’t know I missed (insert name of great actor) until this new trailer.’ But, I’ve been needing an intense Gyllenhaal film for a while now. And knowing that Fuqua, the director of the excellent Training Day (2001) and The Equalizer (2014) is behind this movie has me that little be more excited.

I also happen to have a special place in my heart for 911 responders. Nevertheless, I didn’t miss the part where this trailer states something along the lines of ‘there’s more to the story than meets the eye.’ I guess we’ll have to wait and see just how likeable Gyllenhaal’s character is by the end. I, for one, can’t wait to find out.

Byron Bowers, Riley Keough, Bill Burr, Peter Sarsgaard, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, David Castañeda, David Castañeda, Terence J. Rotolo, Edi Patterson, Adrian Martinez also star.

The Guilty Release Dates: September 21st, 2021 (US); October 1st, 2021 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving

G

Action, Western

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (2016): New Trailer From Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt & Ethan Hawke

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The Magnificent Seven (2016), Denzel Washington
The Magnificent Seven (2016), Denzel Washington

Ethan Hawke, Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Vincent D’Onofrio, Byung-hun Lee, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Martin Sensmeier are The Magnificent Seven, and today marks the release of the teaser trailer.

Trailer sneak peak

Teaser Trailer

Full Trailer

I think it’s time to get excited about some cool and super serious gun-slinging action. I can tell you agree.

The Magnificent Seven Release Dates: September 23rd, 2016 (US & UK), September 29th, 2016 (GER)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Sport

SOUTHPAW (2015): Nothing New But Good Performances All Round…

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Southpaw (2015), Jake Gyllenhaal
Southpaw (2015), Jake Gyllenhaal

Antoine Fuqua is the man in the director’s seat for Southpaw; the movie where Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Billy Hope, a successful boxer seeking redemption after an unbearable tragedy derails his life completely.

Gyllenhaal’s physical transformation is noticeably impressive but it comes second to everything he manages to achieve with his character’s emotional journey.

As you watch Southpaw, you may find yourself cursing testosterone for being the cause of at least one of the bad things that happens to Hope. However, what seems like an absence of good sense is likely also part of the problem.

Overall, there’s nothing particularly surprising or refreshingly new in Southpaw. Though, there is one key aspect of the plot that would have been a great surprise – had it not been revealed in the trailer months prior.

Watch Southpaw because you like the filmmaking team and you’re curious about the movie’s exploration of redemption, regret, second chances, starting over and of course, the sport of boxing.

Forrest Whitaker, Naomie Harris and Rachel McAdams also star.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

THE EQUALIZER (2014): ‘Badassery’ Denzel Washington Style

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The Equaliser (2014), Denzel Washington
The Equaliser (2014), Denzel Washington

Director Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington’s The Equalizer makes me think of Taken (2008) and Taxi Driver (1976). It’s unsurprising since all three films feature young girls who end up in very unfortunate predicaments, but luckily for them, an individual takes it upon themselves to do everything they can to make things right.

I love stories like this because not many who find themselves in such precarious situations are as lucky. As always, seeing ‘baddies’ get what they deserve is fun to watch. I mean, I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I was at the end of Bryan De Palma’s Carrie (1976).

The Equaliser (2014), Denzel Washington, Chloë Grace Moretz
The Equaliser (2014), Denzel Washington, Chloë Grace Moretz

If you’re familiar with Washington, let’s face it, there are few who aren’t, then you know you’re in for a fun ride. Laced with action, good dialogue and Denzel style ‘badassery,’ The Equalizer will keep you entertained.

One of the most memorable moments for me was the swift move with the gun at Pushkin’s warehouse. It’s so very quick and just as impressive each time I hit the replay button. I also love the music that starts at approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

Watch it because it’s good

Happy Film Loving,

G