Denzel Washington looks right at home as leading man Robert McCall, leading a quiet life in Boston away from his contrasting and mysterious past.
A chance meeting with a young girl trapped in a dangerous lifestyle spurs him back into action and his true colours are revealed.
The film follows Washington on his crusade for justice, taking on a powerful Russian mob along the way.
Washington is a great fit for the role, with his take on the character and his thoughtfulness providing more depth to a potentially classic action-film protagonist.
The plot also has the potential to be an overused rerun, but Washington, with director Antoine Fuqua and writer Richard Wenk, brings the television series to the big screen with refreshing impact.
Rated R18, this film is gritty, with Fuqua drawing out the most gruesome scenes combined with realistic special effects and a hard-hitting soundtrack.
It is the sort of film you expect Liam Neeson to be fronting, but Washington certainly proves his abilities.
Supporting actress Chloe Grace Moretz also proves herself in her role as Teri, a young girl trapped in a woman's world.
