Tag Archives: Denzel Washington

Action, Crime, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

THE EQUALIZER 2 (2018): The Things I Liked…

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The Equalizer 2 (2018), Denzel Washington
The Equalizer 2 (2018), Denzel Washington

In The Equaliser 2, Denzel Washington’s Robert McCall is, as always, more than ready to protect the exploited and oppressed. Since in director Antoine Fuqua’s sequel, one of the oppressed happens to be someone McCall loves dearly, he wastes no time in setting up a series of smart manoeuvres that prove arguably as thrilling and unexpected as in the first movie, The Equalizer (2014).

With a well-chosen supporting cast that includes Ashton Sanders (Moonlight 2016), Pedro Pascal and Melissa Leo, I particularly enjoyed the dynamic and chemistry between Denzel and Pascal’s characters. My favourite of the most thrilling moments involves the ‘panic room’ scene. A scene that was almost too intense and suspenseful for my little thriller loving heart to bear.

What unfortunately ensures that The Equaliser 2 is not quite as memorable as the first movie includes the fact that it’s a sequel and therefore has the element of familiarity strongly fighting against it. The other reason for me personally is how the beginning portion of the film felt a little disconnected from the rest of it. 

Overall, there’s still enough good stuff going on to make The Equaliser 2 a worthy film. You will certainly be thrilled, moved, and possibly feel lucky/grateful. Especially for all the good, helpful people you’re knowingly and unknowingly connected to.

Watch it if you’re so curious.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, Crime, Thriller

THE EQUALIZER 2 (2018): New Trailer From Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Melissa Leo, Bill Pullman…

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The Equalizer 2 (2018), Denzel Washington
The Equalizer 2 (2018), Denzel Washington

Read my spoiler-free movie review of The Equalizer 2 (2018).

In new crime/thriller The Equalizer 2, Denzel Washington returns as Robert McCall, a man more than ready to serve up long overdue justice for the exploited and oppressed.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, other key cast includes Pedro Pascal, Melissa Leo and Bill Pullman.

I had so much fun watching the first movie. I’m therefore glad that this new instalment seems to have more than enough of what made the first film special.

Jonathan Scarfe, Sakina Jaffrey and Ashton Sanders also star.

The Equalizer 2 Release Dates: July 20th, 2018 (US); Aug 17th, 2018 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

Crime, Drama

ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ. (2017): New Trailer From Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo, Shelley Hennig…

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Roman J, Israel, Esq. (2017), Denzel Washington
Roman J, Israel, Esq. (2017), Denzel Washington

Written/directed by Dan Gilroy of Nightcrawler (2014), Roman J, Israel, Esq. stars Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo and Shelley Hennig in a story about a driven, idealistic defence attorney. One who, as a result of a tumultuous series of events, finds himself in a crisis that leads to extreme action.

Of course I’m in! Washington and Farrell,  such a promising pairing – and that’s before anyone even mentions Mr. Gilroy, the man responsible for the movie that really should have resulted in an Oscar nomination for Jake Gyllenhaal.

Roman J, Israel, Esq. Release Dates: November 3rd, 2017 (US); December 1st, 2017 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

FLIGHT (2012): For Denzel Washington’s Great Performance & That Excellent Ending…

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Flight (2012), Denzel Washington
Flight (2012), Denzel Washington

From the acclaimed director of Forrest Gump (1994) and the much loved Back To The Future movies, Robert Zemeckis, I knew that Flight would be worth my time and not just because it came highly recommended by a fellow film lover.

Flight‘s star is Denzel Washington – another great reason to watch, as is an interest in the story of a skilled airplane pilot whose personal demons lead him to both endanger and save the lives of his passengers

A well-written and told story, one of my favourite highlights is the ‘courtroom’ scene towards the end. I knew it was coming and I couldn’t wait. The dialogue and general back and forth with Denzel’s character and the person(s) questioning him proved worth the wait. 

Overall though, my absolute favourite moment in Flight has to be the actual ending. That last scene says so very much in just a few simple words. If you haven’t already, I say give it a chance for the Denzel’s magic, and  much more.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Crime, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

TRAINING DAY (2001) Movie Review: Good Story, Well Shot…

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Training Day (2001), Ethan Hawke
Training Day (2001), Ethan Hawke

Training Day is not a movie you watch if you’re looking for a relaxing film experience. The protagonist through whom we’re introduced to the world in which everything takes place is Jake (Ethan Hawke). And because Jake is comfortable at no point in Training Day, you absolutely won’t be either.

With that important truth out of the way, Training Day is a movie worthy of your time. Not just because of the undeniable talent both in front and behind the camera, it’s a well-written crime thriller that will likely leave you grateful that you get to experience the world of the characters only on screen.

Training Day (2001), Denzel Washington
Training Day (2001), Denzel Washington

David Ayer (Suicide Squad – 2016) is responsible for the screenplay while Antoine Fuqua (The Magnificent Seven – 2016) directs. I’m convinced  that Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke could not have played their roles any better. Perhaps even more than the great performances, it’s the way the story comes together that I love most. From the effective shooting style to the way events unfold overall, I had an uncomfortable (in a good way) and definitely positive experience.

If I had to pick something that maybe could have improved my overall experience, I’d point to the musical score which left me a little wanting. By no means is it as awkward as the score for John Q (2002), but awkward is a word that fits – in parts.

Watch Training Day for some Denzel Washington/Ethan Hawke magic and for the smart way everything comes together.

Lastly, would I call Training Day my favourite buddy cop movie? It’s close, but End Of Watch (2012) still has that title.

What’s your favourite buddy/cop movie? Feel free to share in the comments below.

Happy Film Loving,

G