Filmmaker reacts to The Equalizer (2014) for the FIRST TIME!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Denzel is THAT dude. Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Watching FIRST BLOOD (1982) for the first time Friday/Saturday! Enjoy the day!

[@ArgosySpecOps]

26:48 .27 collated nail gun. We used to plink vermin on jobsites with those back in the 90's when I did commercial construction. You have to rig the boot safety on the business end to stay depressed if you want to utilize it in this manner😉.

[@Tuberiascaesar]

I was confused. You think he didn't pick up the call because he was afraid of rejection or being demoted or fired? I thought he was just tired of dealing with his boss breathing down his neck. And he took denzel's kindness personally?

[@unclelink]

Equalizer 2!

[@jdrodrigues7]

Max Payne…

[@TheSumobob]

I don't know if you've seen it, but Man on Fire is another Tour de Force revenge film with Denzel. It came out around 2004 and is directed by Tony Scott. I think you'd really have a lot to say about it.

[@ste.6026]

Not many actors could draw me into each movie they make but Denzel is a rare bread.. I love all the usual suspects 'Man On Fire', 'Training Day,' 'Book Of Eli' etc! but I really like some of his less talked about films such as 'John Q', 'Out Of Time', 'Deja Vu' & 'Unstoppable'... Still as long as DW's name is attached I reckon the chances are good that it will be another movie to add to my list...

[@cuzidodgebullets6797]

I loved deja vu

[@AprilGabrielle]

Yes!!! John Q, Out of Time, and Man on Fire are among my very favorites!

[@BadDubII]

Unstoppable is great

[@CornishCreamtea07]

Unstoppable wasn't all that appealing to me but after watching it, I loved it.

[@ChezzyKnytt]

Deja Vu is unmatched!

[@hsehovic63]

BRO, Denzel is AMAZING in everything but Equalizer was a special theater experience for me in 2014. I went with my friend and we were both immersed in the world, fights blew us away and that final scene with the soundtrack... chills.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Happy y’all had a dope time! This film calls for it!

[@tjtenser7828]

@@fionnmaccumhaill3257 actually it was an 80's series with the excellent Edward Woodward

[@brziperiod]

Aaaand then the D O G S H I T queen latifah TV show lmao

[@jamiesucie2685]

Fantastic movie. You do need to see Man on Fire though with Denzel. Pure brilliance and brutal yet very heartwarming in places

[@corvuslight]

Not only is Denzel the man on screen, but he's one of the few I truly respect off screen. Living Legend.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Love hearing that.

[@darkzer0670]

Top 3 that immediately comes to mind: Keanu Reeves, Denzel Washington, Gary Sinise and Morgan Freeman. Did I mention I can't count?

[@corvuslight]

@@darkzer0670 ..nicely done, I concur.

[@kilchil5438]

Man on fire is also great. Loved the reaction as always.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Appreciate ya brotha

[@Maj_Kasul]

Man on fire. Yes.

[@drumlord8772]

I like to think that Denzel does BRING himself into every role he plays. But he doesn't PLAY himself, in every role. A subtle, but distinct difference.

[@IN-tm8mw]

agreed.

[@Eryxist]

Denzel movies always have the coldest lines, this one and Man on Fire. Oh man. "He didn't come for help... he came for permission." Also, a movie that I don't think enough people talk about, is Virtuosity, starring Denzel and Russel Crowe. That movie is a wild ride.

[@jamiefuller8100]

I was gonna mention Virtuosity, so fun. That and Ricochet were my introduction to Denzel as an action star.

[@williamswiniuch7527]

I’m going to do what I do best. I’m going to kill everyone. Anyone who profited anyone who opens their eyes at me…

[@CornishCreamtea07]

Another great line in Man on Fire "Forgiveness is between them and God. It's my job to arrange the meeting.".

[@SquishyFletcher]

This movie, and RED, just emphasize the level of danger associated with old, highly experienced assassins... It also reminds me of the old saying, "There are old soldiers and bold soldiers, but no old bold soldiers."

[@shainewhite2781]

The film is based on the 1980's TV series of the same name. It ran from 1985-1989, lasting 88 episodes. The character, Robert McCall, was played by Edward Woodward, who's actually a Caucasian actor while McCall is played by Oscar Winning Actor Denzel Washington. There is even a reboot of the series on CBS with Queen Latifah playing Robin McCall, a former CIA operative and single mother.

[@47ways2die]

lore comment...noice

[@gagestandingready1472]

You spelt your name wrong Shaine. 😜

[@yaimavol]

I'm hearing they are going to do a 3rd film with Queen Latifah. I think that is a huge mistake. Not looking forward to seeing that

[@jiveturkeylee]

I love Queen Latifah truly but I hate her show.

[@AregPone]

@@yaimavol agreed. Her show is horrible. From the painfully slow combat scenes to the ridiculously placed family drama. Just not a show where any thought went into making it believable at all.

[@MsMelyjean]

People don't know Denzel's range because they haven't seen the breadth of his catalog. He immersed himself in the persona of Malcolm X in the movie of the same name. His portrayal of Steven Biko gives me chills (Cry Freedom). The amateur detective in Devil in a Blue Dress. They just don't know.

[@jindas4217]

"He didn't come for help, he came for permission." I love that line, it's just so badass.

[@redmoonbloodmoon3161]

it's like Alucard in Hellsing Ultimate, needing his power to be restricted... Danzel (whatever the character name, lol) is "asking" to remove the restriction upon his full "talents", asking permission to going back to being the elite super black op CIA agent... who could destroy entire nations all by himself

[@HK-ny8pr]

“Why am I saying porridge, how did I get here” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JBWinter]

I grew up watching The Equality TV show these films were a reboot of, and was surprised how well the movies kept the spirit of the series while completely changing the genre

[@worldofgreenhell]

The man never disappoints, every character has a heart he plays. 13:29 Jet Li, or Wesley Snipes. They've been told to slow down because the camera couldn't catch up with them 😁

[@omegashark1837]

Zack Hempsey’s Vengeance just makes that whole sequence. He does some real epic work.

[@oLaudix]

I think people get that feeling of Denzel playing himself in all the movies because he most often plays similar characters. One of my favourite movies with him is Unstoppable probably because it is somewhat different from what he usually does. PS. Book of Eli is one of the best movies ever made, dont @ me.

[@stylishskater92]

"Flight" is also a movie where i his character is a bit different from the common stoic badass character, it has some of it in the joking vibes but its a very different character in the other ways. I liked that movie a lot.

[@oLaudix]

@@stylishskater92 I completely forgot about another awesome movie of his, The Bone Collector.

[@jculver1674]

The Preacher's Wife is an example of a movie where he played a totally different role in a light family-friendly comedy.

[@donnyouttheway4091]

The whole time I didn’t even know he was….. 🤦🏾‍♂️. the craziest part of that movie for me. Saddest part was him sittin in that shack playing that one specific song. I went and downloaded it cause I never heard that one.

[@emptyasmrman]

I enjoyed the book of eli up to the point where the twist was that it was the bible, then the whole movie immediately turned lame for me lol

[@l.i.t.f.4353]

I remember seeing this in theaters and it's was so damn cool, loved every frame of it

[@darrenjones5885]

The Equalizer trusts the intelligence of the audience. No flashbacks to McCall in younger days. No explanation of who he worked for before. We’re trusted to not need every little detail of his past in order to understand the story that unfolds.

[@kaisokusekkendou1498]

This was an incredibly well scripted and directed movie! So much visual story telling, and off-screen implied resolutions that not only assumes the audience can keep up, but also conveys a greater story beyond just "what happened". The theft at gunpoint is a perfect example: 1. Without dialogue, we see him size up the threat, look for identifying marks (neck tattoo), and just before he would potentially do something he notices the mom and kids coming in that would end up caught up in anything that happens. No dialogue, no narration, just a few quick flashes and we know what's happening. 2. We see him take, and then return (while wiping down) a hammer. Not only do we understand that he took his knowledge of identifying marks he got from the encounter to track down the guy and meted out punishment physically, we also get the sense that this was just "daily routine" for him. He's putting away his tools for work for the day. The implication is that this whole issue wasn't even worth screen time.. just routine. 3. When she gets her ring back, we are reinforced that he has a strong sense of justice, is a protector, and likes to see things through to the end. 5 minutes of visuals and so much conveyed, understood so implicitly that even if you didn't consciously catch all the implications, it has done its job. We won't question his actions or motives later, we will even anticipate his reactions because we have this understanding brought out by little vignettes like this. This film should be used to teach movie making in schools, lol.

[@charlesallen2306]

Is this your first Antoine Fuqua film? He is a master at setting tone with camera angles, lighting, and use of music. This is one of my favorites I probably watch this once a month.

[@foo3268]

This movie is cool, but the second one is really amazing. It's a fantastic mix of stylish power fantasy and heartfelt character development.

[@JamesVSCinema]

I’ll have to check it!

[@CaligulavVv]

The hotel room scene 😆

[@DjJokerr]

Sorry but I have to disagree, sequel wasn't that good, it was okay compared to the first 1.

[@wampatan9]

@@DjJokerr Agreed. First movie was excellent, the sequel was decent but not as legendary

[@Buzza235]

Yeah the first was miles better. Hopefully the 3rd will live up to this or surpass it.

[@justinpeck6015]

Some of his movies i really like are, Training Day, Man on Fire, American Gangster, The Book of Eli, Deja Vu, John Q, Inside Man, Fallen, Out of Time, Crimson Tide, The Hurricane, The Manchurian Candidate, 2 Guns. There's a few more really good ones to lol. But i feel like i added to many already lmao

[@jeffthompson9622]

The element of difficult decisions added impact to Crimson Tide. In addition to your list I also liked Virtuosity.

[@chefskiss6179]

Great list... I'd love for someone to do Deja Vu... COUGH COUGH... ;)

[@justinpeck6015]

@@chefskiss6179 that's a really good and cool movie.

[@chefskiss6179]

@@justinpeck6015 Right? For all the number of CSI tv shows out there, I always lamented that we never got one show with that deja vu team, y'now? I mean without Denzel, just the crew left over, they had such great chemistry.

[@justinpeck6015]

@@chefskiss6179 Your right, it would of been really cool if they did a tv show. They still could and should.

[@15blackshirt]

The girl he helps out is played by Chloe Grace Moretz, who also stars in both Kick-Ass films and the modern remake of Carrie. This was followed up with a direct sequel The Equalizer 2. Other films that use a similar technique of slow motion are Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

[@Mr.PeabodyTheSkeptic]

The Equalizer is one of those movies if you start watching at any point , just wait 10 minutes and you will see something awesome. Great reaction.

[@zr00t]

I love this movie so much and I'm glad to see you doing this one and enjoying it as much as I have!

[@JamesVSCinema]

That’s where the fun is..happy to see you vibing with this as much as I am!

[@drunkenrobot7061]

24:43 "A little dash of Home Alone" I saw a comment about this scene, describing it as "Home Alone when the kid's done playing games".

[@Lbdataz1469]

Funny that you mention Jason Bourne, the main bad guy is the same dude Jason choked to death in the house with the phone cord in the second Bourne movie.

[@JamesVSCinema]

That’s badass haha. You’re right!

[@VolatileSupernova]

I love this movie! I also grew up a block away from where a lot of this was filmed, cool to see on film!

[@Teeklin]

Okay but now you have to watch Man on Fire (2004) to see the best version of badass Denzel (and a really great artistic film with some awesome camera work and directing choices). Keep up the great work!

[@Maj_Kasul]

Yes

[@elwyndude]

This is one of those films I watch at least once every 2 months. I dont know why... its not perfect. But I think I love the preciseness of Denzels character and the way he portrays him. And yes Denzel is THAT dude. Kind of funny how (well aged) Hollywood men (Liam/Denzel/Costner) are getting a second life as action heroes. Who would you want in your corner.... John W. Creasy (Man on Fire) or Robert McCall (Equalizer). Have to go with Creasy... the man is an artist - in death ;)

[@1SantinO2]

"At that age you have a lot more time to do these side missions" is such a good way of putting it. bars! :D

[@joedivision7148]

Fallen is a favorite of mine. Denzel doesn't do much supernatural stuff so it's pretty cool to see.

[@CornishCreamtea07]

Denzel is great in basically every Movie he is in, even the not so good ones. I don't know if "Plays himself" is the right term, but he does put some of him self into the characters he plays, I certainly could never see any of his characters played by anyone else after seeing him play them. You should check out, if you haven't already, some of the Films he did with Tony Scott. Especially Crimson Tide and Man on Fire some of his best works.

[@sabrinawalker1421]

The second one is even better! This was great! Love this reaction and movie!

[@mmmvendico]

My opinion is that this movie felt in the hearth and had feeling. Not just mindless action. Much better than the second one and Nobody.

[@Kaliyahkelevra]

You liked this one, your going to love #2. Awesome reaction James!

[@secondghost]

This is one of Denzel's best. Book Of Eli, Training Day, and The Equalizer are amazing fun movies.

[@242Assembly]

Denzel is pretty much great in every film. A worthy film adaptation of the 80's TV series starring the late Edward Woodward. I can't think of many actors that could play McCall other than Washington. He stars again as McCall in The Equalizer 2, which in part goes deeper into McCall's backstory. This has become one of my favourite films.

[@LaTericeallover]

I thought I was the only one that thought that about Denzel Washington. He do plays himself just doing different stuff with different names. He don’t do accents or play wildly different type of characters. But you believe him what ever he is doing and his characters are always so interesting because of him. He just brings so much weight and charisma it doesn’t matter. I go to his movies bc of him.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Absolutely nailed it. One of a kind actor!

[@Boogie_161]

Denzel one of actings GOATS in one of my favorite films. I liked part II but this one was - to me at least - straight fire.

[@mycroft16]

Martin Csokas doesn't get the credit he deserves in the films he's in. He always plays the characters he has extremely well. No difference here. He plays the villain so well. He's polite and assured of his power but he also isn't entirely stupid in arrogance. He's legitimately dangerous. Smart, etc. Love him as a villain.

[@aaronclair4301]

He played a Doctor on a New Zealand medical soap in the 90s and his character was so meek then he showed up on XXX as the Russian bad guy and it stuck. Lol

[@mycroft16]

@@aaronclair4301 He was Celeborn in Lord of the Rings as well. So meek most people don't even remember he was in the movie.

[@aaronclair4301]

@@mycroft16 I'm a Kiwi, we're such a small nation we remember every role played by one of our own. 🤣🤣 Especially on a film made here. 🤣🤣

[@garypaterson1477]

Thanks for this. Great stuff, your joy and fun you got from this film is so great to see and share in. As always, stay awesome, stay genuine.... much love

[@McCool117]

I love Denzel, he's a fantastic actor. I haven't thought about it before, but I do think he plays himself quite often, however I don't find that as a negative.

[@mpotter9944]

I love this movie, has that 70s vibe, a little bit campy in parts, but some of the best Russian gangsters ever, and Denzel was fantastic. Also Marton Csokas, Remote drop for me. If you liked this you will definitely enjoy Man on Fire (2004), Denzel again, excellent movie.

[@wesleyrodgers886]

Loved the 1980s tv series with Edward Woodward. Happier times.

[@johnw8578]

Yes!

[@dnish6673]

With the soundtrack by Stewart Copeland

[@johnw8578]

@@dnish6673 That's right -- so good!

[@theevilascotcompany9255]

Because of this film, people no longer find it strange that I bring my own special tea bags when I eat out. Props to you, Mr. Washington.

[@Vijay-tg7hf]

I would definitely suggest the sequel to this James. Its really good and I think youll love the editing and story. Ton of heart :D

[@attorneyrobert]

Denzel Washington is a sign of quality for me. I know when I see a film that he is in, that I'm going to view an amazing film with amazing acting. Excellence all through his career.

[@Can0nn0naC]

Denzel makes every single one of his characters feel believable. Like that’s a real person. His actions and motives feel authentic. As legendary as Denzel is when he is on screen it’s like all that stardom fades away and he is who he portrays. Sounds like the basics of what acting is but when you break it down who really does it better than Denzel?

[@secludedmisanthrope6388]

Putting Denzel Washington in a movie means I'm going to enjoy it. Everything from Glory and Virtuosity to Deja Vu and The Equalizer movies are some of my favorite movies. Man On Fire is easily the best of them for me.

[@kuivia]

22:45 everytime i see shots like that i can't help but think of Andy Samberg and Will Ferrell singing "cool guys don't look at explosions, they blow things up and then walk away"

[@Weazel1]

So now you need to watch Glory. It was released in 1989 and got Denzel his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. It also has Morgan Freeman and Matthew Broderick. It’s an excellent film.

[@growingislife2148]

5:05That's the girl from Kickass

[@luecisturner4839]

The Little Things was a phenomenal mystery killer drama. You need to put that on a poll soon

[@themrnails]

Props where props are due. Another great film with our boy DW.

[@Wolverines9999]

I absolutely love this movie. I love when he said for you I’ll make an exception. There used to be a series on television called The Equalizer. That equalizer was known near as bad ass as Denzel. I would also recommend if you haven’t seen a movie called Man on Fire with Denzel.

[@dall1786]

The song that is playing in the home Depot in the final scene where he takes out all those guys. That songs from the original equalizer TV series from the '80s.

[@gagestandingready1472]

Denzel is one of the greatest actors and genuine people in Hollywood. Watch him speak outside of Hollywood if you don't believe me. A national treasure and legend.

[@skitchthemovieman]

Dude you'll love part 2 as well. Theres one walk-off line in part 2 that was worth the whole movie.

[@J1ntu]

I remember going to the movies to see this and about 15 minutes in, mom and I knew we were gonna buy it

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahaha yeah my mom is happy as hell I’m finally watching this

[@hbk42581]

I mean, this movie is all kinds of epic but what really put its over for me is the music. The score is SO good and SO perfect.

[@darkzer0670]

I saw this and Book of Eli knowing nothing what either were about and both of them have become some of my favorites.

[@Buzza235]

This is one of those films that you can watch over and over again. Which i have done.

[@infam0usalal184]

I 100% agree he's my favourite of those you listed Although I think John Wick 1 is a better overall film, Equalizer is definitely my favourite protagonist, then Nobody, then Wick, then Bourne

[@BigHugsFromHell]

And here I thought this movie was going to be about a guy who figured out his super powers had to do with sound equalizing and always knowing the perfect way to balance a stereo system in seconds. Throwing a party to show off your new entertainment system, but it sounds kinda flat? Here comes The Equalizer. New car and the bass just isn't pumping? The Equalizer says, "Only doing my job citizen." No speakers shall ever go unequalized again. Turns out it was just another shooty guy.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Lmfao bro where was THAT trailer?

[@FourFingeredMan]

Awesome video!...equalizer 2 is probably my favorite of the trilogy...hope to see that reaction soon!

[@JohnSmith-wh2ob]

19:53 I’ve replayed that moment like a thousand times it happens so quick and it’s so badass

[@johnsmathers190]

The girl is the same actress who played hit girl in the movie kick ass.

[@thebookgeek87]

Your reaction when he snatched that gun... I replayed that part a few times 😁

[@leew6091]

This was based on a TV show in the UK, in the 80's. Basically a 1-man A-Team.

[@shaonkhalid1615]

Just imagine.... The Equalizer, John Wick & Nobody.... Somehow connected in the same universe.... That would be so dope to see..👌 Great reaction james.. Love this movie ❤️

[@unclelink]

Fallen and Courage Under Fire! "What do you see when you look at me?" John Wick, Jack Reacher, Evelyn Salt and Robert McCall walked into a bar... Inspector Callahan walks out. The original Equalizer starred the late Edward Woodward. He also played Nikita's father in Peta Wilson's La Femme Nikita. I like to think that one was the prequel to the other, that would've been awesome!

[@TheGavrael]

You love Denzel, your parents love Denzel. I think everyone on the planet loves Denzel. The man is a treasure and I've never seen a bad turn from him. He's in my top five

[@kurtb8474]

i remember when the TV series came out. I was enthusiastic to see it. It was good. Edward Woodward played a great retired operative who just wanted to help people with difficult situations. I always imagined an updated version. Denzel is great in the part.

[@talisredstar1543]

The scene when he is sitting across from the Russian. OMG. Both actors Washington, and Csokas. They could of made the whole first 2 acts about them taking about their pasts, and how they came to this point, and it would still be riveting. Man, that scene the tension so thick you need a sword to cut it not a knife.

[@Motividzz]

Gotta do part 2 broski 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@LupusLifestyle]

This movie is like if "Training Day" met with "Inspector Gadget", "The Chronicles of Narnia", and "Predator" and decided to make a movie. On the surface it makes perfect sense but if you dig a little deeper it makes even more sense! I only had an hour of sleep.

[@Senpapii_]

The drill execution is one of the best in modern cinema. I watched this in theaters and that kill got everyone yelling 💀

[@jackmeowmeowmeow2177]

I can’t help but feel like James would enjoy Riders of Justice starring Mads Mikkelsen.

[@hapythots]

bruh. you gotta watch man on fire. its denzel's coldest role. its the pinnacle of this style of movie. dude is a demon in that.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Noted my g!

[@corvuslight]

@@JamesVSCinema..I just had to second that suggestion. Man On Fire is up there with Training Day..!

[@eyob.t1389]

I watched Man on Fire so many times as a kid with my dad but it's been a long time since I saw it last.

[@Gray-soul_81]

Can't wait for Equalizer 3!!!!

[@Kal_El1994]

Soundtrack is from Zack Hemsey - his stuff is fire. Highly recommend. The song from the Home Depot scene is “Vengeance”

[@ovidionieves855]

Denzel has the best hand combat coordination & his character demeanor A+

[@nathancaveney8215]

Denzel is one of the GOAT's no question. So many good movies and performances

[@johnw8578]

I loved this movie! I was a great fan of the tv show from the 1980s and this movie did it justice!

[@jamesguerrero2993]

I know everyone goes for the action packed classics, but another Denzel performance that I think you will especially enjoy is: Inside Man (A Spike Lee Joint) an underrated and often forgotten classic. 🤘

[@warhawkbm]

The Equalizer is just a character who Power Leveled through the Main Campaign of Life and all thats left is the low lvl side quests. : >

[@cflournoy1529]

Denzel and Tom Hanks. Two actors that I absolutely love!! Never saw a bad movie by either of them.❤

[@knightghaleon]

The moment you start to hear Vengeance play, the bad guys should’ve realized they just walked into boss music. This dude rolled up on the big boss’s estate, wiped out his security squad quietly while the man was showering, and then made him die in the most hilarious way.

[@masterbeattie973]

One of my favorite movies from the last 15 years. Not only does Denzel do an amazing job with his character but I don't think Marton Csokas(Teddy) gets the credit he deserves for playing a truly fantastic villain

[@Scott_Forsell]

Brawl In Cell Block 99, bro. Needs to be put on your "to watch" list. Vince Vaughn of all people is the brutally efficient bad-ass protagonist. No comedic tics or quirks, man is a straight-up beast and his acting is really very good. Don Johnson shows up in a showy cameo and chews the scenery, which was [bleeping] awesome! Vince Vaughn almost always plays a hyper, comedic version of himself. Not in this. He is scary af. IRL, dude is 6'5" and weighs 240 - a big intimidating fella. In this movie, he is brutally savage. Nobody in the US makes good B movies anymore. Brawl In Cell Block 99 is a great B movie. Watch it!

[@codyt821]

An example of a remake eimagining done right, the show was good. This was great.

[@IN-tm8mw]

Facts.

[@Curraghmore]

It was funny that you brought up the comparison with Jason Bourne after one of Marton Csokas/Teddy's scenes, because one of Jason Bourne's 'victims' in 'The Bourne Supremacy' was another Marton Csokas character.

[@tree6787]

I really really love this movie and this type of movie where it's just some random guy you know nothing about him something bad happens and he decimates all Taken is the same way Nobody and John Wick. They all have that type of genre and I love it this is why you never judge a book by its cover you have no idea who people are.

[@sharonjoan1970]

Excellent Reaction as always, your appreciation and insight you can see the gears turning...Would love to see you do Law Abiding Citizen as well as the Accountant ❤️

[@excalibur1969]

Definitely watch Equalizer 2.

[@kevinclarke8900]

Check out Equalizer 2, as well

[@rook7823]

I feel like it's fair and not really unkind to say Denzel plays "himself" in most movies. That's o.k. There are a lot of actors that get by on playing themselves - Keanu, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan... your usual suspects in action / comedy movies. Very rarely do they transcend themselves, but they don't have to. People are content to see them do the thing that made them big. You don't have to be a Gary Oldman or a Daniel Day Lewis or a Sidney Poitier. Just be compelling or at the very least entertaining. For some reason I like Equalizer better than Nobody. Nobody feels like it's winking at the camera and has some moments where it intentionally subverts some expectations like when he picks the fight with the guys on the bus and it immediately cuts to outside the bus to show him being thrown through a window. It feels a bit more smug and self-satisfied. Both movies are presenting you with impossible, "highly-trained" assassin-type characters that are practically invincible - but the fact Equalizer takes itself seriously helps me believe it a bit more. I did like some of the editing in Nobody. Particularly the opening sequence reminded me of Edgar Wright and the way he'd shoot stuff to either express boring routine or to quickly relay information to the audience in an exciting way that would have been boring if shot flat (like making a phone call). You bring up Bourne. Frankly, I think this is a superior film to any of the Bourne movies. The character has better motivation, characterization and above all, the editing gives you time to take in the action. While this scene utilizes Western quick-cut action sequences, they're not so fast that they're disorienting. The quick-cuts in Bourne are so jarring that it's difficult to really see anything and unfortunately set a trend that would poison action movies for the better part of a decade. There have been numerous essays by people way smarter than myself about why quick-cuts in Bourne (specifically cutting before the moment of impact) may create a sense of frenetic movement but rob itself of any impact, unlike in say a Jackie Chan / Jet Li movie where you can see the strike and get a sense of power and satisfaction. I'm sure as a filmmaker you've probably seen some of the essays by Every Frame a Painting, and while I think it's probably unhealthy to just parrot what someone else said, his break downs are very concise, informative and convincing and helped me put to words what I instinctively didn't like, but didn't know precisely why until it was explained. Every Frame a Painting - Jackie Chan - How to Do Action Comedy kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGKzdKd_lrKSfbM

[@rikuruohomaki3230]

This is loosely based on a late 80's TV show where British actor Edward Woodward (who also played the lead in the original Wicker Man opposite Cristopher Lee) played former CIA agent Robert McCall, who offered his services for regular people who "had the odds against them", like if they were being harassed by criminals etc. This is like a re-imagined version of the character. This film works like an origin story, telling how McCall started his new career as The Equalizer, the protector of the downtrodden.

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Love how he sets his watch