They wanted to hearken back to the TV show of the same name, but I have no idea why they bothered. I mean, they could have just called this Man on Fire 2, let Denzel play the same character as that first movie, and be done with it. From what I remember of the TV series, this movie is such a huge departure that it may as well have not been associated with it at all. I would be curious to know how much they spent to get the name.
This role has been played by many other men before. I don't mean the actual role of The Equalizer, but the bad ass who can take out a room full of guys with minimal planning or real effort. You know, the guy who feels compelled to stand up for the little guy when push comes to shove. I'm talking about the guy played by Liam Neeson or Stallone or Arnold or Bruce Willis or Nick Cage or Statham or Jean Reno or any of a bunch of others.
Denzel plays this character very well. I mean, he almost always does, doesn't he? When you score Denzel Washington for your movie, you get a built-in audience and a genuine A-list actor. The supporting characters aren't too bad, either. They tossed in a ringer with Chloë Grace Moretz as the young prostitute who Denzel befriends and subsequently protects from her employers. I wouldn't have cast her in that role, even after seeing her in Carrie, because I wouldn't have thought she could pull it off, but she does a commendable job with a role she is generally ill-suited for.
The movie concentrates on a kind of OCD that Denzel has where he seems to time everything. He relies very much on his watch, and he estimates times pretty much every time he has to do something. This, in addition to the fastidious manner that he keeps his apartment, tells us a lot about this character and the way he approaches situations. He's calculating and seemingly emotionless as he stabs and slashes his way through bad guys.
The movie is very richly done. They put a lot into the mood of the movie and the very theatrical nature of the scenes. Even the simple scenes are shot very well and framed very well. I guess when you know you're getting a high priced star, you spend the money to get a high priced DP. And this Director of Photography was worth what they paid.
Story is simple, but good
Acting was very good
Cinematography was excellent
Directing was very good
Dialogue was good
Bottom Line: If you want to watch an action movie, this would be a good pick.
3.75/5