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The Equalizer 2 movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was The Equalizer 2 filmed?

2018

City Locations

Marshfield, Duxbury, Boston, MA (USA)

Location Types

House, Apartment, Restaurant, Storefront

Location Styles

Georgian/Southern, Gothic/Victorian, Modern Building, Rustic

About The Equalizer 2

An engaging story of anarchy and retribution develops in the American vigilante action-thriller The Equalizer 2, captivating audiences throughout the movie. Antoine Fuqua helmed The Equalizer 2, which premiered in theaters in 2018.

In this riveting action film, Denzel Washington plays the role of Robert McCall, a former Marine and DIA agent who is out for revenge after his comrade Melissa Leo's death. Following a violent deed, the protagonist struggles with guilt and remorse as the story progresses. Denzel Washington breathes life into the character of McCall as part of an ensemble cast. Orson Bean, Bill Pullman, Ashton Sanders, Melissa Leo, and Pedro Pascal co-starred in the movie.

Despite Washington's outstanding performance and exciting action sequences, critics had mixed feelings about The Equalizer 2. The plot received criticism for being predictable and lacking originality. The picture was a smashing hit all around the globe, thanks to its fantastic $190 million total.

Denzel Washington's acting chops were on the whole show in the film, but he went home empty-handed. His acclaimed turn as an action actor solidified his legendary status in Hollywood.

The Equalizer 2 Locations

Several breathtaking locales serve as backdrops to the captivating narrative of The Equalizer 2. The South End of Boston was the site of principal photography on September 14, 2017, and most filming took place in Massachusetts. The film unfolds in this distinctive metropolitan environment, which features bustling restaurant scenes and Victorian brownstone houses.

Lynn Shore Drive, a historic coastal parkway in Massachusetts, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Powder Point Bridge, a wooden bridge and one of the world's longest, is near Duxbury, Massachusetts, and it is another significant location outside of South End. One other Massachusetts coastal town, Brant Rock, is also featured in the film.

The original Equalizer film didn't use that area — among many Boston places. The stark contrast, nevertheless, is provided by South End. At Union Park in Boston, a little urban park famous for its beautiful backdrop, McCall comes to Plummer's rescue during a pivotal sequence.

These spots would be perfect for movie buffs and anyone interested in film tourism. From Brant Rock and Lynn Shore Drive, take in the stunning ocean vistas, and from Union Park and Boston's South End, you can feel the city's pulse and history. These locations are crucial to the film's storyline and highlight Massachusetts's varied landscapes and metropolitan vistas.

McCall takes Sam to the store scene in The Equalizer 2

Sin City Cycles, 14 Mt Vernon St, Lynn, MA 01901, USA

McCall (Denzel Washington) works as a Lyft driver and often ferries an elderly man named Sam Rubinstein (Orson Bean) around. Sam is on a quest to locate his long-lost sister, and during one of their rides, McCall drives him to the Lynn Copy Center.

The scene came to life near Sin City Cycles, a family-owned business established in 1987 by Greg Domey Sr. According to web search results, Sin City Cycles has two locations: one in Saugus, Massachusetts, and another in California.

Lynn itself has a rich history. It is the fifth oldest colonial settlement in the Commonwealth, founded by Europeans in 1629. Once known as the "City of Sin" due to its reputation for crime and vice, Lynn has since transformed into a vibrant city renowned for its contemporary public art, immigrant population, historic architecture, loft-style apartments, downtown cultural district, and public parks and open spaces.

Fly into Boston Logan International Airport if you're coming from outside of Massachusetts. Rent a car or take public transportation to Lynn. The city is approximately 10 miles north of downtown Boston, which makes it a relatively short trip.

McCall visits the bookstore scene in The Equalizer

Commonwealth Books, 9 Spring Ln, Boston, MA 02109, USA

Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) visits a bookstore to pick up a new book he's ordered. In the store, he encounters Grace (Tamara Hickey), the clerk, and her daughter, who recognizes him, though Grace does not realize that McCall had once saved her.

Commonwealth Books, at 9 Spring Lane in Boston, Massachusetts, provided the backdrop for this scene. The location is actual to the film, as the bookstore appears the same in real life as in the movie. Commonwealth Books is a gem in Downtown Crossing in Boston, situated at the corner of Washington Street and Spring Lane. The bookstore features a variety of old prints and engravings, ranging from the 1600s to the 1940s, offering a unique browsing experience for book lovers and history enthusiasts.

From East Boston, you could take a taxi or utilize Boston's public transit system, known as the "T." If you choose public transportation, you can take the red or orange line subway to the Downtown Crossing stop, just a short walk from the bookstore.

Robert's home scene in The Equalizer 2

599 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118, USA

Upon arriving home, Robert (Denzel Washington) finds Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo) already there, and they share a friendly dinner. During their conversation, Susan realizes that it's the birthday of Robert's late wife, Vivian, and she gently encourages him to engage more with the world outside.

599 Columbus Ave in Boston, Massachusetts, was the setting for this scene. The location is the Newcastle Saranac Apartments, which consists of two buildings housing a studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom family units. Initially built in the early 20th century and later transformed into family accommodations in the 1970s, these apartments present a distinctive mix of historical allure and contemporary lifestyle.

They are ideally close to several conveniences and points of interest, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Symphony Hall, and the New England Conservatory of Music. Furthermore, due to their proximity to the Orange Line subway and various bus routes along Massachusetts Avenue, residents and visitors can easily access them.

From outside of Massachusetts, fly into Boston Logan International Airport. From there, you could rent a car or take public transportation to the South End neighborhood where the apartments are located. If you choose public transportation, you can take the MBTA Orange Line subway to the Massachusetts Avenue stop, just around the corner from the apartments.

Robert finishes dinner with Susan and Brian scene in The Equalizer 2

Boston Chops South End, 1365 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118, USA

In a nostalgic scene set in Washington, D.C., Robert (Denzel Washington) shares a meal with Susan (Melissa Leo) and Brian (Bill Pullman). As they leave the restaurant, their faces are lit with smiles, reflecting the joy of the evening. Susan informs Robert that she is heading to Brussels the next day.

The Boston Chops, a renowned steakhouse at 1365 Washington Street in Boston's South End, provided the backdrop for this scene. Over the past decade, the South End has evolved into an area rich with charm and history, characterized by tree-lined streets and red-brick bow-front townhouses that date back to the 1800s. The area is also home to quaint boutiques, peaceful parks, stunning art, and an array of superb restaurants.

Boston Chops itself compliments the South End's exquisite architecture with its grand, theatrical entrance. Inside, the restaurant exudes warmth and relaxation with deep hues of burgundy and mahogany. This steakhouse is still open to the public, allowing fans to visit the filming location and enjoy a sumptuous meal.

Fans can get there via Tremont St. and Washington St. Additionally, if you choose public transportation, take the Orange Line subway to the Back Bay stop, then, it's just a short walk to the restaurant.

McCall drives to Washington D.C. scene in The Equalizer 2

Union Park, Un Park, Boston, MA 02118, USA

Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) drives to Washington, D.C., to the Plummer (Melissa Leo) funerals. Exiting his cab, he observes a group of people in conversation. He then takes a seat on a staircase and watches the street.

This compelling scene was filmed in Boston, Massachusetts, at Union Park. This location is recognized as the best-preserved residential square in the South End of Boston. The park is filled with trees and is surrounded by a cast-iron fence, showcasing the vision of nineteenth-century city officials who developed the South End for Boston's burgeoning middle class. Traditional Boston bowfront and square-front bay windows overlook the park, offering a picturesque view. The site appears precisely as it does in the film, making it an accessible and recognizable location for fans to visit.

Fans wanting to visit Union Park have a couple of travel options. If you're driving, you can reach the park by taking Congress Street, which typically takes about 15 minutes, although this can vary depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, hop on the Red or Silver Line subway and disembark at the Broadway stop. From there, Union Park is just a brief stroll away.

Conclusion

The Equalizer 2 marked a significant moment in Denzel Washington's four-decade-long career, as it was his first-ever sequel. The film, set in various regions in Massachusetts, including the South End area of Boston and Lynn Shore Drive, received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.

Some praised Washington's performance as a pleasure to watch on screen, with his character's ruthless vigilante persona being a significant draw. However, despite the actor's undeniable talent and goodwill among moviegoers, many felt that the film failed to make the best use of his abilities.

A notable aspect of the film was its graphic violence, which some found off-putting. Despite its slick production, the film was criticized for its relentless and sadistic display of violence, which some felt overshadowed its narrative and performances.

As for its contribution to the movie industry, The Equalizer 2 demonstrated the potential risks and rewards of creating sequels. While it capitalized on the success of its predecessor and offered fans another glimpse into the world of its protagonist, it also showed how difficult it can be to recapture the magic of an original film. In terms of visiting the filming locations, the Massachusetts settings offer a unique blend of urban and coastal landscapes that could appeal to film tourists and fans of the movie.