Forget ‘Man on Fire’ — Paramount’s 3-Part Revenge Thriller Is the Perfect Weekend Binge

With a new series rebooting of one of Denzel Washington‘s most popular action thrillers, Man on Fire, making waves on Netflix, you may be inclined to revisit the 2004 film. But if you’re looking for a different sort of Denzel action movie that covers all the bases and leads to more adventures after the credits roll, you’ll be better off looking to Prime Video. Over on the Amazon streaming platform, it’s The Equalizer that reigns supreme. In fact, the 2014 action thriller has spent the last nine weeks in the streamer’s Top 10. If you’re wondering what all the hype is about, there’s no better time to lock and load — even better, there’s not just one, but three of them.

‘The Equalizer’ Is Making Serious Waves on Prime Video

If it’s been a while since you’ve seen The Equalizer, or you’ve never given this action-packed reimagining of the original CBS Equalizer television show — the one starring Edward Woodward, not Queen Latifah, that series came later — a chance, there’s no better time to watch The Equalizer than now. Washington’s first installment in the franchise introduces retired operative (and grieving widower) Robert McCall as he finds himself befriending a young sex worker named Alina (Chloë Grace Moretz), who is abused by the Russian mafia. At the same time, McCall aids his friend and co-worker Ralphie (Johnny Skourtis) in his training to become a security guard, only for Ralphie’s family’s business to come under threat from the same criminal element. Enraged by the injustice around him, the former Marine and DIA officer decides to dish out some good ole’ vigilante justice, which turns the streets of Boston upside down. With stylish action, gritty violence, and emotionally engaging drama for our leading hero, The Equalizer lives up to all the hype.

There’s something about Washington’s ability to command the screen as a stoic and capable action hero. As Robert McCall, he’s as close the award-winning actor has ever gotten to playing a superhero, complete with a haunted past, expert fighting skills, and social know-how to make a difference to those in need around him. For a fast 132 minutes, this 2014 feature keeps McCall on his toes as he goes head-to-head with mob enforcers and corrupt cops alike, with David Harbour‘s Frank Masters being a particular stand-out among the supporting cast. In many ways, Washington’s original take on The Equalizer acts as a sort of love-letter to his previous pulse-pounding collaborations with the late Tony Scott, which, aside from Man on Fire, also include Déjà Vu, Unstoppable, and Crimson Tide. Only this time, it utilizes director Antoine Fuqua‘s trademark eye for absorbing fight sequences and emotional suspense. Both directors frequently collaborated with Washington, whose action flicks have become fan favorites with audiences and critics alike. The Equalizer is, of course, no exception.

‘The Equalizer’ Spawned Denzel Washington’s Only Film Sequels

Both Fuqua and Washington obviously feel that Robert McCall has limitless potential, because the pair have made not one Equalizer movie but three of them. In fact, The Equalizer 2 and The Equalizer 3 are the only sequels of the Oscar-winning actor’s entire career — with plans for two more on the way. Those still hoping to scratch that Man on Fire itch ought to check out the third installment specifically, as it features an on-screen reunion between Washington and actress Dakota Fanning, who had last worked opposite one another in that film nearly two decades prior. Each Equalizer follow-up is as riveting as the last, with the second installment arguably being most like the original television series. Given Prime Video’s unofficial status as the ultimate home for action thriller lovers everywhere, it’s not a surprise that The Equalizer and its sequels do so well on the platform.

If you’re looking for a more intimate and engaging take on the action genre, look no further. As critic Matt Goldman once wrote in his review of the 2014 picture for Collider, “Director Antoine Fuqua has scaled the picture back to the level of a 90s action movie—few digital effects, close quarters combat, and relying on a gritty tone that’s never too dour.” Thankfully, that general tone is consistent throughout all three films, even after the third installment moves overseas to Italy. Retribution is the theme in this high-octane (yet deeply personal) series of vigilante-style thrillers, and Denzel Washington is the perfect star for the job. It’s no wonder he wants to make fourth and fifth installments in the future…