1) THE EQUALIZER (R)
RUSS
In the popular 1980s TV series “The Equalizer,” British actor Edward Woodward played a retired secret agent who spent his golden years meting out brutal punishment on a variety of nasty criminals. The show tapped into the same vicarious vigilante bloodlust that viewers experienced from Charles Bronson’s “Death Wish” movies.
SHAWN
And Denzel Washington is a bad man. But golly gee whiz hasn’t he done this type of thing before. I mean he’s great at it and “The Equalizer” is entertaining as heck. But really Denzel, did you really need another one of these on your resume?
RUSS
There’s probably not a better choice for the movie reboot than Denzel Washington. He adds a layer of gritty, steely assurance to the role of a good guy pushed reluctantly into action by sleazy Russian gangsters.
SHAWN
Good point. And I agree.
RUSS
The violence level can only be described as sadistic. Although the movie begins well, it becomes increasingly absurd and repetitive as it goes along, degenerating into a series of brutally familiar scenes. Still, Washington is money. I just wish that Washington would find material more worthy of his talents.
SHAWN
The blu-ray is loaded with extras.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
2) TUSK (R)
A24 Films
RUSS
Attempts to blend humor and horror misfire in Kevin Smith’s tone-deaf oddity, “Tusk.” Michael Parks is great as a psycho adventurer, but an unnamed Hollywood superstar under heavy makeup is completely out of place. In spite of some terrific acting and occasionally imaginative dialogue, “Tusk” bites.
SHAWN
Kevin Smith has been misfiring for a while now. And “Tusk’ is a colossal failure. It’s official. Kevin Smith is stuck in a timewarp. Standard extras including A Making of Tusk featurette.
RUSS: 1 Popcorn Bag
SHAWN: 1 Popcorn Bag
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