The Equalizer 2

Sophisticated menace. That's what Denzel seems to bring so expertly to roles like this, as in the first of this duo, and Man on Fire, and Training Day (another Antoine Fuqua flick). If that's your thing--and I think a lot of movie watchers can get into that--you'll probably enjoy this outing. Certainly, there are moments of intensity that your average thriller fan will appreciate, including one or two incendiary instants largely provided by Washington's great acting skill. There are demerits: the film takes its time getting its threads to come together, and one wonders, if you pause to consider the matter, why any of this is happening at all; there seems to be little in the way of overarching theme beyond the hero's somewhat sordid past. It works, overall, but if they want to come back for a third outing, I strongly suggest they make it work better.

The Magnificent Seven (2016)

It's been a long time since I watched Seven Samurai; and I can't remember if I ever even watched the original version of this movie. So really, I can only make assessments on this film in its own right (which is probably as it should be anyway). The immediate impression this film makes is one of absurdity; the opening sequence features a presentation of villainy that exceeds the bounds of psychopathy. It's unrealistic; no one that out of his mind would ever get as far in this world as Peter Saarsgard's Bartholomew Bogue. So the movie starts with a problem right there, and it's a lot to overcome. Fortunately, just when you think 'over-the-top' is going to be the rule of the day, director Antoine Fuqua smartly dials it back--somewhat--and let's the strength of this film--the lead actors--take over. Excellent work by Denzel Washington (of course), Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, and Vincent D'Onofrio--as well as very able support from Haley Bennett--give the viewer solid, dimensional anchors upon which to ground one's emotional attachment. You definitely root for this bunch, especially once the (ample) mayhem starts. Lastly, this movie demonstrates why Western movie cliches became cliches: because they work, very well, at least as storytelling elements. It's not without its flaws, and I can't say whether it lives up to its precursors, but on its own terms this is a pretty good movie.

Training Day

Intense, troubling and all too real. Good work by Denzel Washington, but Ethan Hawke should not be overlooked here--he certainly holds his own against the award-winner. This is the sort of movie that gets you thinking about the state of society for many days after viewing, and the thoughts are not comforting.