Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The Equalizer is a Denzel Washington action thriller that's (loosely) based on the same-named 1980s TV series. It's very violent, and although Washington plays a good guy who's very helpful to those around him, he kills lots of bad guys in brutal, bloody ways (including guns, knives, a corkscrew, a shot glass, barbed wire, and a power drill). Language is also very strong, with many uses of "f--k," as well as other strong words. Some of the female characters are prostitutes, and though their business is more alluded to than discussed, it's fairly obvious. Actress Chloe Grace Moretz wasn't yet 18 when she filmed her part, which involves wearing sexy, revealing clothing (but there's no actual nudity). Some brand names are shown, and Russian gangsters drink some vodka. Though it's violent, the movie is also very stylish, and Washington's character is appealing in a superhero, Jack Bauer-like way.
Sexual
Content
Co-star Chloe Grace Moretz, who wasn't yet 18 at the time of filming, plays a prostitute who wears sexy clothes and poses and walks to attract sexual attention. She gets into a car with a man, presumably to have sex with him. An older prostitute is also shown in much the same situation. That said, prostitution is never really mentioned by name, only alluded to with some innuendo. A man is shown in the shower, with nothing sensitive on view.
Violence
The main character kills many bad guys with all different kinds of weapons, including guns and knives, a corkscrew (which protrudes from the victim's jaw up into his mouth), a shot glass, barbed wire, and a power drill. A great deal of blood is shown, dripping and pooling on the floor. A teen prostitute is slapped and beaten (bruises are shown). A man is bashed with an ash tray and then repeatedly pummeled. A man kills a woman with a choke hold. A man threatens another man by locking him in a car with the exhaust pumped into the cab. The main character cauterizes a wound with a heated doorknob. Gory crime scene photos are shown.
Language
"F--k" is used fairly frequently, as well as "motherf----r." "S--t" and "bulls---" are also used from time to time. Occasionally, "p---y," "bitch," and "ass." Eminem provides the movie's closing theme song, which comes with its own array of language.
Social
Behavior
The movie celebrates doing good deeds for others and using whatever skills you have to help those in need. In this case, however, the skills involve brutal killing...
Consumerism
A Pringles can is shown. A Coca-Cola machine can be seen in one shot. The character uses a Sony VAIO computer. Clover honey is used to treat a gunshot wound.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Russian gangsters drink a few glasses of vodka in a nightclub and in their office.
