Punisher: War Zone- my review

[Arkvoodle]

2008 marks the third time Marvel has tried to bring their beloved Punisher character to the big-screen, having tried and failed twice before (in 1989 with Dolph Lundgren and in 2004 with Thomas Jane). So, is this third time the charm for their skull-clad gun-wielding anti-hero?

Honestly, I'd have to say yes.

Let me discuss this film from a couple of angles (without giving away too much):

CAST/CHARACTERS-

*The Punisher is this time played by Ray Stephenson, who admittedly looks a bit like a watered-down Stephen Seagall. His portrayal of Frank Castle is somewhat different from the others- he's more like a silent, steady force of nature than an actual person. And you know what? That's okay. In fact, according to most fans, that's exactly how Castle SHOULD be.

*Wayne Knight comes in as Castle's assistant/henchman, Microchip. Honestly, Micro's inclusion in the cast had me very worried but the character was pulled off very well and I don't think anyone else could've done a better job.

*The main villain here is Dominic West playing one of Punisher's few recurring foes- Jigsaw. This is where the acting falls short; West is just a tad over-the-top and zany in this performance. Furthermore, his lackeys are lame cookie-cutter bad guys who are clearly only around to fill screen space before Punisher steps in and uses them for target practice.

STORY- Contrary to popular belief, There IS an actual plot, revolving around the death of an undercover Federal agent and the protection of his widow and daughter. It has the foundation of a decent plot but its overall lackluster and thin; definitely secondary to the fight sequences.

ACTION- THIS is where War Zone shines! Bullets fly, bad guys die and blood stains in every direction. Some very creative kills and a very excellent pace overall; doesn't feel like there's too much drag between fights either.

In conclusion I was very satisfied with Punisher: War Zone. Its mindless and gruesome but in a fun sort of way; one of those action movies you can really enjoy if you let your brain idle for a while.

But while "War Zone" is certainly the better Punisher portrayal, I'd still have to cite the 2004 Tom Jane entry as an overall better FILM.

[Dazed]

I'd still have to cite the 2004 Tom Jane entry as an overall better FILM.

After seeing the Tom Jane version, I was fairly certain I would never see or hear these words.

My brain hurts.

[Dimmukane]

So what you're saying is...

John Travolta version = taco shits
This one = actual diarrhea/possibly vomiting
1989 version = colonoscopy prep?

[Chesire Cat]

Without reading any of this thread:

I saw the trailer on the net before something cool of some site and in incited me to post of a friend and very much a punisher lover (the comics) facebook wall

"I just saw a trailer for the Punisher: War Zone, it made me think of you... And think of not watching it."

I can say without any level of snobbery, I fucking love fun, that I will never watch this film, né flick.

*edit*

After reading all three posts in this topic, my statement still stands.

[Marc_Newman]

Eh... I'll probably see it. Just because I can really

Nothing to it more than it looks ok and I'm a marvel fan.

[lprkn]

Just got done watching this. Definitely a popcorn flick with some fun violence, the kills are awesome.

I'm sure Dominic West is a decent actor, but he really hams it up too much, and like Ark says, the other bad guys are there just too die. A little bit more character direction than "Act like a goomba" would've been nice.

Ray Stevenson and Wayne Knight are pretty much pitch perfect.

I'm not too much of a snob to say that I enjoyed this movie.

[Scandanavian War Machine]

i actually liked the last Punisher movie (except for John Travolta, god he sucks).


i guess that may be because i thought it was a comedy until the very end, though.