Not All Movies Are Created Equal

Rating: 8/10 (26 September 2014)

I have to say that after skimming a couple of reviews before seeing this, I was skeptical it would be very good. The last action/suspense movie similar to this that I recall Denzel being in was "Safe House" with Ryan Reynolds. That had some potential I thought, but was very mediocre. I was not exactly sure how this plot was going to unfold. We are introduced to Robert's (Washington) character and see that he has a very particular, solo, obsessive compulsive type of life and habits. He does have a couple of relationships with people who he cares about and is trying to help better their lives. When a friend's life is in danger, Robert has to become the man he used to be once again in order to help keep her safe. Unfortunately, by doing this, Robert also awakens a bit of a beast with a lot more problems than he expected. I had first thought that most of the plot would be based on this antagonist/protagonist idea and Robert versus this Russian mafia. This is the central plot, but there are also some pretty cool side plots where we see Robert help others that are being wronged, all after putting in an honest day's work at Home Mart which is a big box store similar to Home Depot.
A couple of the things I read about this movie said it was too violent. It is violent, Robert executes with extreme precision and uses any instrument that his hands come into contact with. I find this pretty entertaining, and while violent, the point is made, and most of the men that are on the receiving end of this type of punishment not only are very bad men, but also have a chance to make things right or change before they receive their punishment.
The cinematography, the sound, the action, and the subtle acting of Washington make this one very good. Although I lowered my expectations a bet this one was pleasantly surprising, and is probably worth a second viewing for sure.