“Denzel Goes Old Testament” is the title of the film review of The Equalizer by Richard Corliss in the most recent Time (Oct. 6, 2014). He plays Mac who gets in trouble with the Russian mob for defending a Russian prostitute after she is abused by her pimp.
I wonder what Corliss means by going Old Testament?
“Slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Exo. 34:6)? I don’t think so.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psa. 23:1)? Nope.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares YHWH, plans for your welfare and not for evil” (Jer. 29:11)? Nah.
Sounds more like Ghostbusters, Old Testament-“What he means, Mr Mayor, is Old Testament, real wrath of God type stuff.” This is right before one of the best lines in cinematic history, “Dogs and cats living together. Mass hysteria.”
I haven’t seen the film, but Denzel Washington’s character seems like a good guy, a bit vigilante. But the connotations of OT still don’t seem entirely positive.
What do you think it means to go Old Testament in the context of the review title?