I love Denzel Washington.
Not only is he a great actor who can seemingly play just about any role but, by all reports, he’s also apparently a pretty nice guy off-screen as well. He has such a natural and likable screen presence that he can even make a potentially problematic film, like last year’s Flight, compelling and watchable. My friend Jake Moore once said that Denzel was the closest thing that we have to a modern-day Jimmy Stewart and I happen to agree.
Yes, I love Denzel. I just wish he wasn’t always killing people in the movies.
Don’t get me wrong. Denzel makes for a believable action hero and it makes sense that, if your hero is going to be killing everyone he meets, you would want him to be played by an actor who can actually be likable while murdering.
It’s just that Denzel Washington is such a good actor that sometimes, it’s a shame to see him in generic action films where he often seems to be playing characters that could be played by just about any actor. Washington always gives a good performance and brings a lot of charm to the proceedings but that doesn’t change the fact that his role in Safe House could have just as easily been played by Jason Statham.
Add to that, I’m growing bored with film violence. Whenever I see a trailer for a new action film, I often have the same reaction that I had when I first saw the trailer for Jack Reacher. “Really?” I think to myself, “Am I supposed to pretend to be excited about this?”
My feelings aside, it doesn’t look like things are going to change anytime soon. And perhaps as proof, here’s the trailer for Denzel Washington’s new film, The Equalizer. Don’t get me wrong. I’m sure Denzel gives a great performance here and the film might even be entertaining when taken on its own terms.
It’s just that it all feels so generic.
Through the Shattered Lens 
Do you remember the TV series this was based on? You look too young to. I loved it as a kid just for the supercool title sequence. I’m still frightened of subways
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I was real excited when Nicolas Winding Refn was originally announced as the director, but still hopeful the film will be good under Fuqua w/ Denzel in the title role.
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Winding Refn could totally have captured the style of the original show
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Yeah, the TV show was a few years before my time. However, I did look up the title sequence on YouTube and I agree with you. I would have ended up being terrified of elevators if I had been around to see the original show. 🙂
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I think you’re bored w/ film violence because they do all look similar now. There’s no new distinct style to interest the hardcore filmgoer.
The only true action auteur we have going for right now is Gareth Evans and he’s satisfied w/ staying in Indonesia to make his very unique style of action and film violence.
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I did enjoy both the Raid and the Raid 2.
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Denzel can be magical in the right roles. He graces the screen even in his lesser roles better then the majority of Hollywood Elite! Lisa your feeling the lull of a very violent nature of todays Cinema. “The Equalizer” Does have appeal to me because of Denzel re-teaming with Antoine Fuqua. Plus Chloe Grace Moretz is transitioning to more adult roles. I’m going to lay some more astute your way my friend. Chloe has the chops to go from child to adult lead seamlessly along the lines of Jodie Foster! Watch for yourself in late August release of Chloe in “If I Stay”. Getting back to Denzel I hope you didn’t sleep on & miss him in his very funny buddy action film with Mark Wahlberg “2 Guns” Kudos to the screenwriter Blake Masters! Yes violence but balanced with much more Humor.
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I’m looking forward to If I Stay. 🙂 I loved the book and Chloe is the perfect choice for her role. I haven’t seen 2 Guns yet but I’m sure I will because it’s currently making the rounds on cable.
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Enough to start kicking stuff afterwards?
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I learned my lesson after I saw the last Underworld film.
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Oh, I think your fiery, stubborn side will win out in the end. 🙂
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