The "Equalizer" movie premiered last Friday, September 26. Denzel Washington played the lead role. The "Equalizer" grossed at least $35 million USD over the weekend.
In "Equalizer," Denzel Washington plays the role of Robert McCall who has some exceptional skills in disarming and dispatching his enemies. He finds himself battling the Russian Mafia in his desire to rescue a young girl name Teri played by Chloe Grace Moretz. Teri is a prostitute working for the Russian gangsters. When they beat her up, McCall turned on them.
Yahoo Movies quoted Box Office Vice President Phil Contrino about Washington's role in the marketing of the "Equalizer" to the moviegoers. He said, "He's a name people trust. He is a brand. Really, it's no different than Marvel or Pixar."
Denzel Washington's character in the "Equalizer" looks ordinary compared to the earlier television show. "Equalizer" screen writer Richard Wenk admitted that the script has basically nothing in common with the 1980's British television series. He admits that the only thing that the two have in common is the title and the desire to help people. Those familiar with the old British show could not agree more. Another thing that is different is the level of violence shown in the new "Equalizer." Denzel Washington portrayal of the "Equalizer" is more violent but more inventive in fighting his opponents. He does not even need guns to fight off the Russian mobsters. Even simple hardware tools such as sledge hammers will do.
Denzel Washington's character in "Equalizer" works at a department store. He said that it brought back some of his childhood memories. He elaborates that when he was a child, his father worked as security guard at a department store called S. Klein. He said his father would take him and his brother there to enjoy some of the amenities like bike rides and candies. They would arrive at midnight and leave the department store at 8am the next morning. Washington gave insinuations that he may have "borrowed" a lawn mower from the set for a joy ride.
