One thing about 2014’s “The Equalizer” and it’s 2018 sequel – you knew exactly what you were going to get. Both were action thrillers built upon a fairly simple and straightforward premise. But they had a secret ingredient that made them stand out from the countless other movies of their kind – Denzel Washington. The charismatic and infinity talented Oscar-winning actor brings a certain prestige and gravitas to every movie he appears in. The “Equalizer” films are no different.

That includes Washington’s latest, “The Equalizer 3”, the final film in director Antoine Fuqua’s hitman trilogy. To no surprise Washington is great in reprising his role of Robert McCall, an aged yet still quite lethal hitman looking to put his violent past behind him. Robert is a fascinating contradiction. On one hand he’s an efficient and effective killer who has plowed his trade with brutal precision. On the other hand there’s a nobility to Robert that you might think clashes with his profession. There’s a righteousness in the sympathy and compassion he has for the persecuted and downtrodden.

In both facets of his character Washington is as convincing as ever, showing a fierce (and often frightening) intensity in the action scenes and a genuine warmth and humanity in others. As a movie “The Equalizer 3” features that same kind of duality. It’s as much of a patient character study as it is a hardcore action movie which may throw some people off. But for me, that was one of its strengths.

But don’t worry, it still has the gritty, brutal violence fans of the previous film’s expect and it wastes no time tossing some our way. The film opens with Washington’s Robert McCall carrying out a job in Italy. He eliminates (in his own special way) a notorious mobster who has been distributing synthetic amphetamines out of his Sicilian vinyard. The drugs has been used to fund terrorist activities all across the globe. But Robert is seriously wounded and eventually passes out while driving away from the scene.

He’s found and rescued by a benevolent local doctor named Enzo (Remo Girone). Robert wakes up in the small coastal town of Altamonte where he begins his recovery under Enzo’s care. Over time Robert finds himself falling for the quiet village and the friendly locals who call it home. But when the people he’s grown to love are targeted by a powerful mob boss from Naples named Vincent Quaranta (Andrea Scarduzio), Robert is forced to dust off the skills from his past in order to stand up for the townsfolk and their home.

As Fuqua and screenwriter Richard Wenk patiently let things play out, there’s a side story of sorts involving a young and ambitious CIA agent Emma Collins (Dakota Fanning, reteaming with Washington for the first time since 2004’s “Man on Fire”). At first Robert’s interactions with her seem superfluous, but they end up leading to a satisfying conclusion.

Despite its predictable framework, “The Equalizer 3” works thanks to Washington’s commitment to his character and the journey he takes, both physical and emotional. Washington never overplays a scene and he makes you believe in every interesting layer he peels back. Meanwhile Fuqua’s direction is spot-on and he wisely leans on the talents of his lead actor. Yet he’s crafty in how he approaches the action, shooting Washington in a way that hides any limitations the 68-year-old actor may have. Fuqua also makes great use of the scenic Amalfi Coast, sprinkling in some gorgeous shots and giving the area (especially Altamonte) some real personality.

Everything combines to make for a entertaining final chapter in the Equalizer series. It can’t quite shake the feeling of predictability and much of the story plays out exactly as we expect it to. But the strength of Denzel Washington’s screen presence can’t be overstated. He offers his character a worthwhile send-off while giving fans of the previous films the satisfying farewell they’ll be looking for. “The Equalizer 3” opens today exclusively in theaters.

VERDICT – 3.5 STARS