This week's new movies on streaming platforms include "The Nun II," a prequel to "The Conjuring" set in 1956, and "The Equalizer 3," featuring Denzel Washington as a retired assassin who is pulled back into action. Other releases include "After Everything," the final installment of the "After" franchise, and various titles available on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, YouTube, and cable services.
The Nun II dominates the domestic box office with a $32.6 million debut, while also earning $52.7 million internationally, bringing its global total to $85.3 million. The Equalizer 3 takes second place with $12.1 million domestically, followed by My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 in third with $10 million. Jawan and Barbie round out the top five with $7.56 million and $5.9 million, respectively.
Warner Bros.' horror sequel "The Nun II" takes first place at the weekend box office with a debut of $32.6 million, though it falls 39% below its predecessor. Sony Pictures' "The Equalizer 3" drops 65% in its second weekend, earning $12.1 million. Focus Features' comedy sequel "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" opens in third place with $10 million. Yash Raj Films' Indian action thriller "Jawan" surprises with a $6.1 million debut in fourth place. Warner Bros.' "Barbie" declines 42% to earn $5.9 million in its eighth weekend.
"The Nun II" scares up $32.6 million at the box office, taking the top spot from "The Equalizer 3." "The Nun II" falls short of its predecessor's opening weekend, but still performs well. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" opens in third place with $10 million, while Indian film "Jawan" and Warner Bros. comedy "Barbie" round out the top five.
"The Equalizer 3," starring Denzel Washington, has made $3.8 million in previews at the box office and is expected to earn between $28 million and $30 million in its opening weekend. With the Labor Day holiday, it could reach $33 million to $40 million in the four-day frame, claiming the No. 1 spot. This will be the smallest three-day opening of the franchise, following the success of the previous two films. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie sees Washington's character, Robert McCall, using his skills to escape the mafia on the Italian coast.
"The Equalizer 3" is expected to have a strong opening weekend, with Thursday previews bringing in $3.8 million. The film is projected to have a 4-day opening weekend of $30-40 million, making it the second-best Labor Day weekend opening after "Shang-Chi." The movie has received mixed reviews from critics but has a high audience score. This is the third installment in the "Equalizer" franchise, with the previous films performing well at the box office. Additionally, other films such as "Gran Turismo," "Barbie," "Oppenheimer," "Blue Beetle," and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" continue to have solid performances at the box office.
"The Equalizer 3" is being hailed as the best installment in the Denzel Washington film series, embracing an old western formula and carrying more dramatic heft. The movie reunites Washington with Dakota Fanning almost 20 years after "Man on Fire," as his retired assassin character, Robert McCall, takes on the Mafia in Italy. The film cleverly weaves together various strands, providing emotional resonance despite a generic overarching threat. While it may not be a convincing "final" chapter, "The Equalizer 3" reaches a satisfying point to close the books on McCall, for now.
Denzel Washington returns as Robert McCall in "The Equalizer 3," the apparently final installment of the franchise. Set in Italy, McCall showcases his combat skills and near-superhuman strength as he takes on the Italian mafia. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film offers familiar genre tropes and visually stunning shots of the Amalfi coast. While lacking in originality, Washington's performance and the entertaining violence make it a watchable action thriller.
The Equalizer 3 is expected to have a strong debut over the Labor Day weekend, aiming for the second-highest opening in the history of the holiday. The film is projected to earn between $28 million and $34 million over the three-day weekend and between $35 million and $42 million over the four-day weekend. The franchise has been consistent in its box office performance, and with an older audience base, backloading throughout the weekend is expected. However, the ongoing strikes and the impact of Hurricane Idalia on theater closures in Florida may affect projections.
Director Antoine Fuqua is facing a lawsuit from a former collaborator, Paul Lozada, who claims he was not credited or compensated for his contributions on "The Equalizer 3." Lozada, who had previously served as a consultant on Fuqua's films, alleges that he provided expertise on law enforcement and crime organizations for the movie. Text conversations between Fuqua and Lozada are included in the complaint, with Fuqua allegedly promising compensation but then cutting off communication. The lawsuit comes as "The Equalizer 3" is set to release in theaters.
Antoine Fuqua, director of "The Equalizer 3," is being sued by former consultant Paul Lozada for allegedly refusing to pay or credit him for his work on the film. Lozada claims he provided valuable information about European organized crime and fight choreography to enhance the movie's authenticity, but Fuqua never followed through on his promise of a position. The complaint alleges breach of oral contract and other claims. Fuqua and Sony have not yet responded to the lawsuit.
Denzel Washington returns as Robert McCall in "The Equalizer 3," continuing his role as a vigilante who protects and avenges the weak and wronged. Set in Sicily, McCall takes on the classic mafia types terrorizing a local community. While the film offers picturesque scenery and a tightly woven thriller, the unnecessary backstory and additional characters detract from the core narrative. Nevertheless, the film stays true to the franchise's theme of right overcoming wrong and vengeance on the wicked. With the potential for more sequels and even a prequel featuring John David Washington, "The Equalizer" series shows no signs of slowing down.
Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua deliver a satisfying conclusion to their action trilogy with "The Equalizer 3." Washington's portrayal of Robert McCall is at its best, showcasing his ease and intensity in both calm and violent moments. The film's change in locale adds a fresh aesthetic, with the cinematography by Robert Richardson enhancing the visuals. The action sequences are impressive, making it one of the best action films of 2023. Overall, "The Equalizer 3" is a strong and cohesive finale that completes the circle of Fuqua and Washington's collaboration.
"The Equalizer 3" deviates from the typical food porn scenes found in films set in Italian seaside villages, instead focusing on graphic violence reminiscent of snuff films. Denzel Washington, who is overqualified for this type of exploitative grindhouse fare, plays the vigilante character Robert McCall, who dispatches his victims with relish. The film follows the tried-and-true formula of a vigilante seeking justice, but lacks suspense as McCall effortlessly takes down his adversaries. Despite some enjoyable moments and Washington's charisma, the excessive violence becomes exhausting, leaving little satisfaction beyond the carnage.
Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning reunite in "The Equalizer 3" after nearly 20 years since their first collaboration in "Man on Fire." Director Antoine Fuqua describes their chemistry as a father-daughter relationship and praises Fanning's challenging performance. Fuqua reveals that Fanning's interest in the role led to the reunion, and Washington enthusiastically supported her casting. This marks the fifth collaboration between Fuqua and Washington, with Fuqua praising Washington's dedication to his action scenes. "The Equalizer 3" hits theaters on September 1.
