🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Antoine Fuqua
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 2h 1min
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10 (241K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 53%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Denzel takes Uber driving too seriously and gets mad when his friends don’t tip, so he enacts a very specific, very violent revenge on his former colleagues after one of them leaves a one-star rating.
🍿 The Equalizer 2: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Robert McCall’s New Life
Robert McCall, a former DIA operative, lives a quiet life in Boston, working as a Lyft driver and helping those in need. He mentors a young artist named Miles, attempting to steer him away from a life of crime. McCall’s past, however, remains a constant presence, as he secretly rights wrongs and delivers justice to the deserving.

Susan Plummer’s Murder and Investigation
McCall’s friend and former colleague, Susan Plummer, is murdered while investigating a case in Brussels. Devastated by her death, McCall vows to find her killers. His investigation leads him down a dangerous path, uncovering a conspiracy within his own ranks.

Unmasking the Traitor
McCall discovers that Susan’s murder is linked to a corrupt DIA operative, Dave York, a former teammate. York and his team have become mercenaries, using their skills for personal gain. McCall confronts York, setting up a final showdown.

Hurricane Showdown
A massive hurricane descends on McCall’s seaside hometown, providing the backdrop for the final confrontation. McCall uses his skills and the environment to his advantage, systematically eliminating York’s team. The storm amplifies the danger and chaos, making for a brutal and intense climax.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Robert McCall (Denzel Washington): A retired DIA operative who works as a Lyft driver and vigilante, seeking justice for the exploited and oppressed.
- Dave York (Pedro Pascal): McCall’s former teammate turned rogue DIA operative and the primary antagonist of the film.
- Miles Whittaker (Ashton Sanders): A young, troubled artist under McCall’s mentorship who becomes entangled in the central conflict.
- Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo): McCall’s close friend and former colleague whose murder sets off his quest for vengeance.
- Sam Rubinstein (Orson Bean): An elderly Holocaust survivor helped by McCall in his search for a painting of his sister.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Robert McCall: “There are two kinds of pain in this world. The pain that hurts, the pain that alters.” – McCall explains to Miles the difference between pain that is merely suffered and pain that leads to growth.
- Robert McCall: “Now, I’m gonna offer you a choice. You walk away, or I walk over you.” – McCall gives criminals a chance to avoid confrontation, but firmly warns them of the consequences if they don’t take it.
- Robert McCall: “[In Turkish] Today, you get to choose.” – McCall confronts a group of men in Turkey who have kidnapped a young girl.
- Dave York: “We did things for our country that they didn’t even want to know about.” – York tries to justify his and his team’s actions to McCall, highlighting their past service and disillusionment.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $62,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $102,084,362
- Worldwide Gross: $190,400,157
💥 The Equalizer 2 Reviews
Personal Review
I really wanted to love The Equalizer 2 as much as the first one, but it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While Denzel is always amazing, the plot felt a bit predictable, and I didn’t feel as invested in the characters. That being said, the action sequences were still pretty intense, and the final showdown during the hurricane was definitely a highlight. There were parts that moved me, and I liked how Robert McCall was helping the young man, Miles, to get his life together. Overall, it’s an okay action movie, but not one of my favorites.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Denzel Washington”
- “Viewers who enjoy action thrillers”
- “Those who appreciate vigilante justice stories”
- “Audiences interested in crime dramas with suspenseful plots”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong violence and gore”
- “Graphic depictions of murder”
- “Occasional strong language”
- “Brief drug references”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “While Denzel Washington is reliably compelling, The Equalizer 2 is a violent and predictable sequel that lacks the taut thrills of its predecessor.
- IGN: “The Equalizer 2 delivers decent action and a solid performance from Denzel Washington, but the predictable plot and slow pacing hold it back from reaching its full potential. The hurricane-set finale offers some excitement, but it’s not enough to elevate the film above mediocrity.
- Chicago Sun-Times: “Denzel Washington is always watchable, but The Equalizer 2 suffers from a formulaic story and uneven pacing. While the action is brutal and effective, the emotional depth feels forced, making for a decent but ultimately forgettable sequel.
Audience Reactions
Denzel Washington’s performance as Robert McCall remains captivating and intense.: Viewers generally appreciated Denzel Washington’s performance and the brutal action sequences, even if the plot was predictable.
The hurricane-set finale provides a visually stunning and thrilling climax.: Many praised the final act set during the hurricane as a standout moment of the film.
Overall Consensus: The Equalizer 2 is a decent action sequel with a compelling performance from Denzel Washington, but its predictable plot and uneven pacing prevent it from reaching the heights of the original.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This is Denzel Washington’s first ever sequel in his long and successful career.”
- “Director Antoine Fuqua also returned to direct this sequel, marking his first time directing a sequel as well.”
- “The film’s climax takes place during a hurricane, adding a visually dramatic and challenging element to the action sequences.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Equalizer 2?
The Equalizer 2 is available to rent or buy on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. It’s also often available for streaming on services with rotating movie selections. Consider purchasing the Blu-ray or DVD for a permanent copy.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Equalizer 2, you might like these similar films:
- Man on Fire (2004): Denzel Washington plays a former operative protecting a young girl, showcasing similar themes of redemption and violent justice.
- John Wick (2014): Features a protagonist with hidden skills seeking revenge, driven by personal loss, with stylish and brutal action sequences.
- Death Wish (1974): An older movie exploring the themes of vigilantism and justice outside the legal system after personal tragedy.
- Nobody (2021): A seemingly ordinary man with a hidden, deadly past is forced back into action to protect his family.
- Taxi Driver (1976): A Vietnam veteran with insomnia works as a night-time taxi driver in New York City. His loneliness and disillusionment lead him to contemplate and then commit acts of violence against those he deems depraved.
🛒 The Equalizer 2 Related Products
- The Equalizer (4K Ultra HD): Experience the original action thriller in stunning 4K resolution. See where the story began!
- Denzel Washington Movie Collection [Blu-ray]: A collection featuring some of Denzel Washington’s iconic roles, including Training Day, Man on Fire and more.
- The Equalizer: Never Underestimate A Quiet Man by Michael Sloan: The screenplay of the first film of The Equalizer series.
- Men’s The Equalizer 2 Classic T-Shirt: A movie-inspired T-Shirt which is durable and comfortable
🎧 Soundtrack
The Equalizer 2 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Equalizer 2 was filmed in various locations, including Boston and Lynn, Massachusetts, USA.
Yes, The Equalizer 3 was released in September 2023, continuing the story of Robert McCall.
The main villain in The Equalizer 2 is Dave York, played by Pedro Pascal. He is a former teammate of Robert McCall who has become a corrupt DIA operative.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Equalizer 2 | Taxi Fight Scene (Denzel Washington)
Check out this intense taxi fight scene from The Equalizer 2. Denzel Washington is at his best, taking down bad guys with ease. You won’t want to miss it!
The Equalizer 2 (2018) – Five-Star Rating Scene (2/10) | Movieclips
In this powerful scene from The Equalizer 2, Denzel Washington’s character seeks justice for a young girl who was sexually assaulted. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what’s right.
The Equalizer 2: I Only Get To Kill You Once (DENZEL WASHINGTON, PEDRO PASCAL SCENE) | With Captions
If you’re a fan of intense thrillers, you’ll love this extended scene from The Equalizer 2. Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal deliver powerful performances as they face off in a battle of wits and strength.
The Equalizer 2 (2018) – Two Kinds of Pain Scene (1/10) | Movieclips
Get ready for an adrenaline rush with this action-packed scene from The Equalizer 2. Denzel Washington takes on a group of kidnappers in a thrilling train sequence that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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