There is a reason that the Equalizer franchise has been so enduring. From television series to franchise powered by Denzel Washington, and then back to a series with Queen Latifah taking over from Edward Woodward. There is something hopeful about seeing the wicked punished and the innocent vindicated. And so it is with EQUALIZER 3,… Read More »
BROOKLYN’S FINEST
BROOKLYN’S FINEST is an object lesson in situational ethics played without the comforting buffer of impersonal hypothesis. The eponymous cops in question are neither heroes nor villains, rather they are basically decent guys pushed to the limits that have warped their perceptions of right and wrong as considered moment by moment. Not for them is… Read More »
OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN
Antoine Fuqua has delivered many fine films that deal with the harsh, gritty, and dangerous aspects of the human condition. OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN is not one of them. This story is one of a terrorist attack on the seat of government, but the only real danger presented is killing the audiences will to live by… Read More »
TEARS OF THE SUN
TEARS OF THE SUN is a turgid exposition on the evils of ethnic cleansing, guerilla warfare, and casting Bruce Willis in an action flick. It is overwrought, underwritten and with glacial pace that makes for a piquant juxtaposition to its tropical Nigerian location. Once again Willis impresses mightily with his ability to be in virtually… Read More »
KING ARTHUR
The legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table conjure up words such as magic, stirring, spellbinding, and timeless, none of which apply to Jerry Bruckheimer’s cinematic rendering. Except, maybe, the timeless part, because sitting through this seems like an eternity. Bruckheimer and director Antoine Fuqua have taken gold, as in the… Read More »
SHOOTER
At some point during an action/adventure/thriller flick, the audience is forced to make a choice about the suspension of disbelief. If the film in question is either a strict, but smartly written procedural or an over-the-top fantasy, such decisions are easy. Think the impudent hyperbole of 24 or the taut psychological games of BREACH. Alas,… Read More »
THE EQUALIZER
THE EQUALIZER is non-ironic escapist fare superbly acted and directed. It doesnt indulge in psychological underpinnings or great philosophical conundrums beyond the need to keep the story going. It is a powerhouse of a vehicle for star and co-producer Denzel Washington that plays to his strengths and to the audience’ weakness for wanting someone to… Read More »