Review of Punisher: War Zone (2008) by Larry L — 31 Jul 2010

This Punisher film strikes out. The film feels like a rush job to get it into theaters rather than properly developing the story and direction for the next Punisher film. The film reminded of Tim Burton's Batman (1989) and the first Blade film. The action scenes in this film is too over the top. The action scenes reminded me of the action scenes from Sin City. They worked well in Sin City, but not here for the Punisher. Stevenson might have the look for the Punisher, but at times in the film he fails to deliver. Thomas Jane brought humanity and sympathy to the role, which Dolph Lungren just had the look. Dominic West is too over the top as Jigsaw. His Jigsaw reminded me too much of Jack Nicholson's Joker. Even the scene of how he became Jigsaw was too similar to how Nicholson became the Joker in the Batman film. Wayne Knight reminded me of Kris Kristofferson's character from the Blade films. Dash Mihok reminded me of Robert Wuhl's character from Batman. Doug Hutchison is too over the top as well.

Of the Punisher (3) films so far, this film is my least favorite of them. Jane's Punisher film was an origin story. While I didn't like Jane's theatrical release of that Punisher film, I did like the director's cut of that film. Dolph's Punisher film felt more like a regular action film and had little to do with the comics. This film just feels like a huge mess.

They did announce at comic con for another Punisher film to be made. Hopefully, that 4th time on the big screen, they will get it right, acting and storywise.