Entertainment : In Depth: 'Equalizer' on Palace screen; 'Wizard' on VSHS stage

Denzel Washington is Robert McCall in “The Equalizer,” rated R, playing the Palace Friday, November 7 through Thursday, November 13 at 7 pm, and Monday, November 10 at 2 pm.

News to me, but not our faithful Wednesday night volunteers, the first Equalizer was a 1980s TV series about a former CIA officer who helps desperate people in need of his well-honed deadly skills.

In the 80s show, Robert McCall offered his unique services free of charge. He was assisted in his mission by a group of mysterious contacts from his days as a spy, McCall regularly doled out his style of justice and cleaned up the streets of New York.

Denzel’s Equalizer is set in Boston, where McCall has quietly faked his death and retired. A young girl facing off against Russian gangsters reawakens McCall’s desire for vengeance and justice. Once again, he is The Equalizer.

Interestingly, the CBS show was later made into a novel of the same name, written by Michael Sloan who created the series. The movie is based on the book.

Face-paced, exciting, with an R-rating for violence, profanity, and some nudity, “The Equalizer” is an action adventure movie those over 17 won’t want to miss on the big sceen.

'Wizard of Oz'

However, the high school and middle school drama students have got the kid and family front covered! Don’t miss The Wizard of OZ at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Auditorium this weekend, Friday and Saturday at 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets are available at the door.