13. The Equalizer
Why It Should Have Sucked: A contemporary update of the classic 80s TV spy series starring Edward Woodward? With Denzel Washington? Surely this is going to be another totally tangential reimagining which resembles the original project in name alone. Why It Was Awesome: Though it does indeed only loosely resemble the source material, re-pairing Washington with Training Day director Antoine Fuqua turned out to be a savvy choice, because while The Equalizer is hardly especially original, it's a savagely entertaining, gorgeously shot R-rated action flick. The chemistry between Washington and Chloe Moretz (who plays a teen prostitute) adds a unique flavour to proceedings, and the lengthy final action sequence in particular is one of the year's most memorable set-pieces. With the movie's solid acclaim and strong box office, it seems likely that Washington might be coaxed to star in his first ever sequel.
Jack Pooley
Contributor
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
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Jack