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The Tom's Guide verdict: 'The Equalizer' (2014)

Rating: 3/5 stars

Verdict: "The Equalizer" isn't Denzel Washington's best action movie, but it might be the purest expression of the Oscar winner as an action star. It has very little plot and even less time for nonsense. But it's an enjoyable watch and plays off Denzel's ability to be the strong and silent type while also letting him shoot someone dead with a nail gun. If this movie hadn't come out a month before "John Wick," I'd swear it copied the latter's bloodthirsty desire for eye-popping kills.

Where to watch: Stream "The Equalizer" on Netflix

" The Equalizer " might be the perfect example of "action-star Denzel." This is a Denzel Washington archetype I discussed in my previous Denzel Watchathon movie, " 2 Guns ," and it's essentially one of two roles that the legendary actor takes on.…