The Equalizer 3 ★★★½

DENZEL Washington is one of those consummate actors you are happy to watch doing anything.

The Equalizer 3, like its predecessors, is a violent action thriller, but some of the best moments are just watching Denzel’s character wandering round a small, mountain-side Sicilian town.

Former marine and intelligence officer Robert McCall is a man of relatively few words who is highly perceptive of the environment and people around him.

On these occasions when he isn’t ‘working’ McCall almost has a smile on his face while ordering coffee and a meal at a friendly café and taking in the atmosphere of a typical working day. He responds to politeness but doesn’t intrude on anyone. His unusual mannerisms are on show in the way he carefully places his cutlery and napkin just right on the table in front of him.

But McCall knows these quiet moments won’t last; eventually shattered by the actions of bad people, in this case the local mafia. The old warrior cannot stand by while ordinary, vulnerable people are persecuted by the rich, powerful and evil.

The first instalment was a solid vengeance thriller, enhanced by Washington’s presence. The second film was a stumble, but director Antoine Fuqua’s final instalment is a winner.

It may not be action-heavy, but it also doesn’t shirk from the impacts of violence and the toll it takes on this anti-hero.

The other nice touch is the addition of Dakota Fanning to the cast, not because of the story surrounding her character, but the fact she starred with Washington as a child in Tony Scott’s Man on Fire.

Apparently, this is Washington’s last appearance as McCall. The next instalment is meant to be a prequel which focuses on his military intelligence career with hopes it will star Washington’s son David in the role.

If it happens, I’m sure there will be a cameo spot for Dad.