Equalizer 1 and 2 on Netflix: A Review
The Equalizer series has been a staple of the thriller genre for decades, with the first film released in 2014 and the second installment in 2018. The series, based on the novels by David Baldacci, follows the story of Robert McCall, a former CIA operative turned private investigator, as he seeks revenge against those who wronged him. In this article, we will review the first two films of the series, exploring their plots, characters, and themes.
Equalizer 1: The Equalizer (2014)
The first film, The Equalizer, stars Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, a former CIA operative turned private investigator. McCall is a complex character, driven by a desire for revenge against those who wronged him in the past. The film follows McCall’s journey as he seeks to avenge the death of his wife, who was murdered by a wealthy businessman.
Plot Summary
The film begins with McCall’s wife, Helen (Chloë Moretz), being murdered by a wealthy businessman, Victor Maitland (Liam Neeson). McCall is devastated by the loss of his wife and sets out to track down Maitland, who he believes is responsible for her death. Along the way, McCall encounters a young woman, Natalie (Martine Tarlov), who becomes his ally and potential love interest.
As McCall delves deeper into Maitland’s world, he discovers that Maitland is a ruthless and cunning individual who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. McCall must use his skills and experience to outwit Maitland and bring him to justice.
Characters
- Denzel Washington: Robert McCall is a complex and nuanced character, driven by a desire for revenge against those who wronged him. Washington brings depth and emotion to the role, making McCall a compelling and relatable character.
- Liam Neeson: Victor Maitland is a ruthless and cunning individual, driven by a desire for power and wealth. Neeson brings a sense of gravitas and menace to the role, making Maitland a formidable opponent for McCall.
- Chloë Moretz: Helen is McCall’s wife, who is murdered by Maitland. Moretz brings a sense of vulnerability and determination to the role, making Helen a sympathetic and relatable character.
Themes
- Revenge: The film explores the theme of revenge, as McCall seeks to avenge the death of his wife. The film raises questions about the morality of revenge and the consequences of seeking it.
- Power and Corruption: The film also explores the theme of power and corruption, as Maitland’s wealth and influence corrupt him and drive him to commit atrocities.
- Identity: The film raises questions about identity, as McCall’s past and present collide. McCall’s desire for revenge is also a desire for identity, as he seeks to reclaim his past and find a sense of purpose.
Equalizer 2: The Equalizer 2 (2018)
The second film, The Equalizer 2, picks up where the first film left off, with McCall seeking revenge against Maitland. The film follows McCall’s journey as he delves deeper into Maitland’s world and discovers a new threat to his mission.
Plot Summary
The film begins with McCall’s wife, Helen (Martine Tarlov), being murdered by Maitland. McCall is devastated by the loss of his wife and sets out to track down Maitland, who he believes is responsible for her death. Along the way, McCall encounters a new ally, Natalie (Alisha Wainwright), who becomes his love interest.
As McCall delves deeper into Maitland’s world, he discovers that Maitland is not the only one seeking revenge against McCall. A new threat emerges in the form of The Phoenix (Michael Peña), a ruthless and cunning individual who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
Characters
- Denzel Washington: Robert McCall is a complex and nuanced character, driven by a desire for revenge against those who wronged him. Washington brings depth and emotion to the role, making McCall a compelling and relatable character.
- Liam Neeson: Victor Maitland is a ruthless and cunning individual, driven by a desire for power and wealth. Neeson brings a sense of gravitas and menace to the role, making Maitland a formidable opponent for McCall.
- Martine Tarlov: Helen is McCall’s wife, who is murdered by Maitland. Tarlov brings a sense of vulnerability and determination to the role, making Helen a sympathetic and relatable character.
- Alisha Wainwright: Natalie is a new ally and potential love interest for McCall. Wainwright brings a sense of energy and enthusiasm to the role, making Natalie a compelling and engaging character.
Themes
- Revenge: The film explores the theme of revenge, as McCall seeks to avenge the death of his wife. The film raises questions about the morality of revenge and the consequences of seeking it.
- Power and Corruption: The film also explores the theme of power and corruption, as Maitland’s wealth and influence corrupt him and drive him to commit atrocities.
- Identity: The film raises questions about identity, as McCall’s past and present collide. McCall’s desire for revenge is also a desire for identity, as he seeks to reclaim his past and find a sense of purpose.
Comparison of the Two Films
The two films, The Equalizer and The Equalizer 2, offer a similar story arc, with McCall seeking revenge against those who wronged him. However, the second film introduces a new threat, The Phoenix, who adds a new layer of complexity to the story.
Conclusion
The Equalizer series has been a staple of the thriller genre for decades, with the first film released in 2014 and the second installment in 2018. The series, based on the novels by David Baldacci, follows the story of Robert McCall, a former CIA operative turned private investigator, as he seeks revenge against those who wronged him. The first film, The Equalizer, sets the stage for the series, introducing McCall’s complex character and the themes of revenge, power, and corruption.
The second film, The Equalizer 2, picks up where the first film left off, with McCall seeking revenge against Maitland. The film introduces a new threat, The Phoenix, who adds a new layer of complexity to the story. Overall, the Equalizer series is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that explores the themes of revenge, power, and corruption.
Recommendation
If you are a fan of the thriller genre, particularly those who enjoy films with complex characters and thought-provoking themes, then the Equalizer series is a must-watch. The series offers a gripping and engaging story, with a complex and nuanced cast of characters. The films are well-made, with a strong focus on action and suspense. Overall, the Equalizer series is a great choice for anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking film experience.