This '90s Denzel Washington thriller deserves to replace Equalizer as his signature franchise

The article suggests that Denzel Washington's 1995 film "Devil in a Blue Dress" should have become his signature franchise instead of "The Equalizer." The article argues that "Devil in a Blue Dress," a neo-noir thriller set in 1940s Los Angeles, showcases Washington's talents better than the "Equalizer" films. The article praises Washington's performance in "Devil in a Blue Dress," stating that he brings a layered complexity to his character that is absent in the more straightforward "Equalizer" movies. It also highlights the film's strong social commentary and exploration of racial tensions in post-war America, which the author believes are more compelling than the generic action-thriller elements of the "Equalizer" franchise. Overall, the article argues that "Devil in a Blue Dress" deserves to be recognized as Washington's signature franchise, as it better reflects his range as an actor and the depth of his filmography.