Review of Punisher: War Zone (2008) by Grant G — 29 Aug 2010

Alright, the Dolph Lundgren "Punisher" film doesn't deserve more mention than this right here. Thomas Jane's attempt wasn't terrible, either, and brought new darkness to the franchise and less camp.

"War Zone" brought two things: gore and Ray Stevenson, two things the franchise needed from the start. Stevenson IS Frank Castle, everything he does on screen is for the character, and he does a great job with every breath, every twitch.

Only a few of the other actors deliver a solid performance: Wayne Knight, Dash Mihok and Doug Hutchison. I had a problem with Dominic West's portrayal of Jigsaw, because it was SO over the top that it became a parody of itself.

Definitely bothered me. Colin Salmon as Budiansky came and went, some parts were strong, others were completely forgettable. Turning to the action of the movie, which is pretty much where the whole movie exists, it was satisfyingly Punisher.

..and not just the Punisher you know and love from the comic series, we're talking Punisher MAX, which this movie is completely based on. Several of the MAX series' story arcs are jammed together into one, coherent, believable storyline.

The story isn't what one would call "strong", but it definitely has enough aspects and levels to it to make it interesting, and it gives Castle as well as Jigsaw purpose, which is what any good story strives to do.

The gore of the movie is extremely gratuitous and unforgiving. At times it seems like the film tries to hard, but it's also REALLY good, and devilishly bloody. The film is consistent in that it just never stops with the violence, and you can always count on it to splatter brains all over the walls.

This is the treatment that Punisher needs. He's a killer, punishing the wicked, and he doesn't show mercy. You can't do this as a film without hardcore violence, and "War Zone" delivers even to the very end.

Marvel fans and fans of the series, see this movie. But don't see it looking for deep revelations or Oscar-winning acting (except from Stevenson). The movie is meant to be pure fun.