The Equalizer film debut is a huge success as it earned $35 million on its first day. According to a report by the Hollywood Reporter, the Denzel Washington starrer earned that amount from 3236 theaters "marking the third-best opening of his career. It's also the top September opening for an R-rated movie." The Equalizer film, which also stars teen star Chloe Grace Moretz, is an adaptation of the television series of the same name. It tells the story of Edward Woodward, a middle aged retired intelligence officer with a mysterious past who helps people in trouble. The Equalizer edged Liam Neeson's action movie A Walk Among the Tombstones, Focus Features' 3D family offering The Boxtrolls.
Many are baffled by the movie's success, not because it has a strong competition but because the Equalizer film received average ratings in several reviews by critics. Experts have an explanation for this.
According to Phil Contrino, chief analyst at BoxOffice.com, The Equalizer film was dominant in the box office because Denzel Washington's star power is enough to lure moviegoers.
"He's a name people trust," said Contrino. "He is a brand. Really, it's no different than Marvel or Pixar. People hear Denzel Washington and they show up."
For Rory Bruer, president of domestic distribution at Sony Pictures, the Equalizer film is a hit because Denzel's talent in portraying actions is enough and make it hard for viewers to resists his new project.
"He's very good at mixing it up and he's absolutely believable in every role he's been in," he explained. "He's one of those actors audiences totally embrace and he's somebody who embodies our best values across all races, sexes and creeds."
News magazine Variety and Rentrak senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian echoed Bruer's sentiment. They believe that Denzel's style of keeping a low profile unlike other movie stars makes his fans ask for him.
"In today's Twitter-fied and Facebook world, it's very difficult to keep a low profile," said Dergarabedian. "That can cloud audience's perceptions, but when they go to see a Denzel Washington movie, they're not looking at the personal baggage a lot of big stars carry around."
