By Jason Collins | Published
Some action movies come and go, while others stick around because they get the basics right. Photo by Antoine Fuqua Estimator falls firmly into the latter category. Released in 2014, the film paired Fuqua with Denzel Washington for the first time since then Training Day and launched one of the most consistent action franchises of the last decade. After 10 years, Estimator it remains every bit as gripping, brutal, and satisfying as it was when it first hit theaters.
Denzel Launched The Franchise
Estimator is one of the defining action movies of the 2010s because it spawned two successful sequels and introduced audiences to one of Denzel Washington’s most memorable characters. The film follows Robert McCall, a retired US marine and former intelligence operative who lives a quiet life in Boston. By day, he works at a large home improvement store. At night, he spends his sleepless hours reading books at a local restaurant. Over time, he befriends Teri (Chloe Grace Moretz), a young prostitute who is being exploited by the Russian mob.
Denzel is a Force of Nature
After Teri is brutally beaten and hospitalized by her Russian handlers, Robert decides that he can no longer stand idly by. First he tries to resolve the situation peacefully by offering to buy her freedom. When his buyer, Slavi (David Meunier), refuses, Robert calmly locks the office doors, enlarges the room, inspects all available weapons, and shows exactly why he was feared in his former life. What follows is one of the most memorable scenes in modern cinema, establishing McCall as a force of nature who brings justice on behalf of the defenseless.
Everything is a weapon
Naturally, Robert’s actions attract the attention of some of the most dangerous people in the Russian mob, starting a series of deadly events that escalate throughout the film. One of the The Equalizer’s its greatest strength is its intelligence. While many action movies rely on flashy designs and big explosions, this film turns everyday objects into instruments of destruction. The violence is stylized, systematic, and often shockingly inventive, but underneath the action is a story about redemption, justice, and resistance to abuse and exploitation.
All three movies are good
Estimator was a commercial success, grossing over $190 million worldwide against a reported budget of between $55 million and $73 million. Its success paved the way for two sequels, both of which worked well with audiences and expanded on Robert McCall’s story. While fans may argue over which installment is the strongest, all three films deliver what viewers want from the franchise: Denzel Washington calmly dismantles the villains who look down on him.
Estimator It remains one of the strongest action films of its era, combining intense action with compelling lead performances and a surprising amount of heart. If you somehow missed Robert McCall’s first outing, now is the perfect time to make up for it. Estimator currently streaming for free on Tubi.
