The Punisher (2004)

Fresh and Exciting

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

Blistering performances.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

The film almost fails at every level but to be fair the budget cut made the film a whole lot different from what was planned. Referencing various films from the 60s and 70s and the skull shirt etc all have gone to waste. Sure, it's better than 1989 version but still not even close to being good. The skull shirt didn't suit this film which plays out as a generic action film at all while it wasn't used in the 1989 version where it could have gone well with that film's tone.

First of all, I'm a huge fan of the character. I enjoyed both other movies, especially the Lundgren one, because they were so damn entertaining. I loved the show because of how raw, brutal and emotional it was. I'd seen lots of fan reviews of this version, most of them absolutely scathing, but I thought I might be able to find some good things in here, as I usually do with bad movies.This one doesn't know if it wants to be a mindless, dumb action movie, or an important, depressing revenge movie. It accomplishes neither, and just ends up being boring, with a boring villain with boring henchmen, a boring supporting cast and a hugely toned-down lead.It also barely even warrants an R-rating. Most of the deaths consist of bad guys shooting into the crowd, and random family members falling down, with the exception of the climax.Avoid as a punisher movie, avoid as a movie. Go for the 1989 movie instead. It's a blast.

I don't even count Dolph Lundgren as Frank Castle. His version of "The Punisher" pales in comparison to this one by leaps and bounds. With Thomas Jane at the helm, he brings Frank Castle to life in this version that is worthy of the source material. Mr. Jane is an action junkie that never fails to impress. "The Punisher" is not supposed to be this cheesy PG-13 character with corny dialogue that makes sense to no one and has no energy when it comes to eliminating the villains; he is the take-no-prisoners, R-rated warrior who tells it like it is and isn't afraid to get his hands bloody along the way.I have always been partial to revenge movies and this one is no different. From beginning to end, it keeps you on your toes. Blink and you might miss something. Seriously. Unlike some revenge movies that have no plot, this explains literally everything: Frank is a veteran FBI agent who takes out a kingpin's son, Frank and his family are marked for death by the kingpin's wife, Frank moves away after being nearly killed, Frank prepares himself for taking out the villains, Frank moves on to other villains. It is just that simple.Good music, good action scenes, even some pretty memorable dialogue. I saw this movie when I was 17 (one of many where I had to show my ID without hesitation) and I have never stopped watching it. For any action junkie or a comic lover, you will not be disappointed with this one. I highly recommend it. "The Punisher" is not supposed to be sunshine and rainbows; it is the way it is: dark, gritty and violent. That's all there is to it.

The superhero is often the target for the big bucks at the box office, though the outings such as The Punisher and the 'Blade' series see lesser luck do to their positions in the lesser kid-friendly, R-rated territory. In this second attempt to adapt one of Marvel Comics' iconic vigilantes 'The Punisher' after an unsuccessful outing starring Dolph Lungreen, this film follows FBI agent Frank Castle (played by Thomas Jane) who busts a violent arms dealing duo, one of which is Bobby Saint (played by James Spinello) who happens to be the son of crime boss Howard Saint (played by John Travolta). The ambush results in their deaths as they are both gun down by Castle and his team of FBI agents. Angered at the death of his son, Howard Saint orders his goon to execute Frank Castle. In attempt join to enjoy a peaceful weekend with his wife and son, Castle vacations to Puerto Rico for a family reunion. The weekend quickly turns into a harrowing nightmare when the family is paid an unexpected visit by a gang of hit men lead by Saint, who launch a brutal massacre that leads to the death of his family, and him severely wounded. Upon recovery, Frank Castle vows revenge on Saint and adopts his alter ego 'The Punisher', sporting a black shirt with a skull on it and a jacket full of firearms. This film is directed by Jonathan Hensleigh.This is not your average Marvel Comics superhero flick. This film, following an antihero who sets out for revenge a violent mob boss, retains an R-rating with its dark atmosphere and extremely violent nature So if you go into this movie expecting light-hearted superhero actioner that Marvel superhero movies are typically known for, you are in unpleasant awakening. Although this movie resents from Marvel's typical cheery atmosphere in favor of a more dreadful atmosphere that never seems to light up, the biggest suffering of this film is some mediocre action scenes, poor pacing, and a villain who is less than memorable. Going into a superhero flick, or vigilante thriller for his matter; you would expect to see some exciting action sequences to keep the plot pacing. The action here is a rather infrequent, and when it occurs, its not entertaining. The fight scenes here are so boring and slow that at times, it gets pretty frustrating. The first action sequence which takes place at Frank Castle's family reunion on the beach is nicely shot, and really set the (dreary) tone of the film. The final shootout in the end however, is the only action scene that really stands out above the lifeless venture the film endures. When the action lets down, the film is constantly building with overblown exposition to the point when it becomes so mundane. Furthermore, the main villain Howard Saint who is played by John Travolta is one of the least memorable ever put to Marvel comics film. His character is so uninteresting and wooden that it hard to care for him. Travolta's performance is not bad, but it certainly doesn't redeem his character by much. Thomas Jane plays the titular role fine, and much like John Travolta's role the depressing nature of his character give very little to speak of.The Punisher is an vigilante action thriller that had some much potential, but wasted it on a poorly paced plot, mundane characters, and the action scenes that simply do not hold up. Most importantly, the atmosphere of this film is so mean and depressing that it is hard to enjoy, and those who are unfamiliar with such a mature territory like this one will mostly likely feel less compelled by this one. This is not a Marvel film I recommend.