Review of The Equalizer 2 (2018) by Kevin D — 28 Aug 2018

There are a few acting partners which I have only seen in good films and a few acting partners that have always been good in films that I've seen with them in it. Denzel Washington is one of the few. Mind you, I've not seen all acting partners in existence perform. Plus, let's not forget the re-occurring living art on the stage entertaining frequently different guests. It's really a different experience watching an in-person-live theatrical performance. Still?-?let's not befuddle genres and mediums of acting(though so near in relation?-?apart, as Vachel Lindsay agrees).

I'm sitting in a theater watching the commercials before the previews; after a woman cop explains safety measures to take on a road especially when dealing with law enforcement, the previews begin, and more people trickle into the theater until the theater is nearly full. Now, observing individuals in a theater is similar to being on a roller coaster ride; everyone has a different reason for being and a different reaction being in a particular theater watching a particular film without any real idea of the countenances of their neighboring individuals in their seats in relation to content being shown before them.

There are two film trailers which I've seen garner the same reaction in theaters every single time as of late prior to their release: Equalizer II and The Nun. Each draws a different reaction; people lean in as though preparing to give an offering to the screen when Equalizer II's trailer comes on, and people always jump during The Nun's trailer (to be honest, my heart jumps every time though I already have seen the trailer many times?-?it's weird. I'm definitely going to see The Nun). Alas, Equalizer II's trailer makes me a bit skeptical about the film. The trailer does not draw me in so much?-?but, when I watch the film, oh my goodness?-?the trailer does it no true justice (to me?-?in my opinion).

Equalizer II turns out to be a really good film. It's so easy to re-watch too. The acting partners are way better in full flow than in trailer bits. The story flows well and is not overwrought. It's a good-simple movie that is better than good and simple in viewing.

The film brings up a lot of good points concerning communicating (seeking youths, female to male, etc.), communities (cleanliness, representation, homeliness, etc.), financial opportunities (employment for youth, employment from responsible others with money in communities, etc.), inclusivity (branching from diversity, showing love in others forms not too popularly shown i.e. older lovers, etc.), graffiti art (there are towns in the world that use graffiti to really liven up their areas artistically), mentorship (the film really shows how deep mentorship may actually get symbolically?-?though one never really knows...), and being in really simple ways intricately woven. The film actually shows a lot more than it tells and is really intricate in its functions to a fine degree that doesn't take away from its entertainment value. Talk about never judging a book by its cover; never judge a film by its trailer. Plus, I'm really digging "In the Name of Love" by Jacob Banks which you have to watch the entirety of the film to get to.

Overall Grade: B.

?-?K.D.

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