Movie-Holic

Punisher: War Zone

Punisher: War Zone is a much different movie than what I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be another foray into comic book to movie wasteland where other movies like Daredevil, Ghost Rider, and Fantastic Four have made their home. As mentioned in my post about watching this movie, I really didn’t like the previous Punisher movie. It really didn’t show me a Punisher.

Punisher: War Zone is an adaptation of the comic book series based on an individual vigilante who uses rather extreme violence on the criminals in the city after his wife and kids are murdered. The Punisher, Frank Castle (who is played by Ray Stevenson of Rome), is one of those characters that you know you shouldn’t like, but can’t help but love what he does. In very graphic, and incredibly violent ways, Castle is a one man army against organized crime and anyone else who crosses his path. After shooting an FBI agent, he begins to feel sympathy and almost quits, but the mobster he left for dead comes back and tries to seek revenge on both Castle and the wife and daughter of the dead agent.

Pretty much the entire movie is one big fight with one blood spurting, bone breaking, and head exploding scene right after another. Mixed in throughout each bloody battle there are traces of humanity showing itself in Castle and some pretty sentimental moments with the slain agent’s daughter. Of course, this is a comic book adaptation so there isn’t much of that. It’s mostly one all out action fest.

The cast for this particular Punisher movie was really pretty good. I love Stevenson as Castle. If they continue to make Punisher sequels then Stevenson should be the one to continue this role. He’s perfect. When you look at him in the Punisher garb, he just looks scary. Thomas Jane, the previous Punisher, just didn’t have that intimidating, blood stopping look. Stevenson delivers. It’s a good thing there isn’t any intense dialogue or crucial acting needs in this movie, but for what it needs to be, a big screen version of a comic book, Stevenson does an outstanding job.

Punisher: War Zone also has Wayne Knight (Seinfeld) as Castle’s behind the scenes helper, Dominic West (The Wire) as the demented mobster Jigsaw, and Julie Benz (Dexter, John Rambo) as Angela Donatelli, the FBI Agent’s widow.

Each character was played pretty convincingly. I didn’t have to sit and try to think of someone else who would have been better. West was really good as Jigsaw. He brought a level of intensity into the character and he almost looked like he could have been a real person.

Punisher Is Not For Kids

One thing I have against the new kind of superhero movies being made is that they really aren’t kid friendly. Comic books and superheroes have for a long time been the one thing that appealed to children and families. It was a place where kids could begin to look up to something bigger than life. However, the recent movies (The Dark Knight, Watchmen) are trying to put a dark edge to it all.

Punisher: War Zone does the same thing. The violence is quite graphic and some of it seemingly unnecessary. Another unnecessary part if the over abundance of swearing. I really wasn’t expecting it to be that “adult”. You definitely wouldn’t want children seeing this movie. If you’re looking for a superhero movie for kids, or a family night, check out The Incredibles. Stay away from Punisher: War Zone

Last Remarks

In the end, I did like Punisher: War Zone. Much improved upon from the first one and has the possibility to get you excited about a future Punisher movie. The story was a good one, the actors were a perfect fit for the characters they played, and the experience of watching the movie was enjoyable.

If you haven’t picked it up yet, Punisher: War Zone was just released on DVD and would be a good addition to any home movie collection.