Punisher: War Zone (2008)

Apr.15, 2008 by Reid in Previews: Theatrical, Trailers

Directed by:
Lexi Alexander

Theatrical Release: December 05, 2008

Synopsis:

Waging his one-man war on the world of organized crime, ruthless vigilante-hero Frank Castle (Stevenson) sets his sights on overeager mob boss, Billy Russoti (West). After Russoti is left horribly disfigured by Castle, he sets out for vengeance under his new alias: Jigsaw. With the “Punisher Task Force” hot on his trail and the FBI unable to take Jigsaw in, Frank must stand up to the formidable army that Jigsaw has recruited before more of his evil deeds go unpunished.

Our Thoughts:

Fans of the Punisher comic books haven’t had a good time at the movies so far. First, they had to contend with Dolph Lundgren playing their favorite vigilante on the big screen in The Punisher (1989). Then, after a 15-year wait, they got the uneven The Punisher (2004), which wasn’t much better, even though Dolph was replaced by Thomas Jane, who went on to battle baddie John Travolta.

Now, after two disappointments, it looks like things may be looking up in 2008, with Punisher: War Zone making its way to theaters in September.

Replacing Jane with Ray Stevenson, the film pits the vigilante against someone fans will remember from the comic books: Jigsaw, portrayed by 300 (2007) baddie Dominic West.

Looking grittier and more street-wise than either Jane or Lundgren, Stevenson may be just the man to turn the film version of the Punisher into something other than a laughing stock. And with West portraying a villain that fans of the comics will love to hate, Punisher: War Zone may be the first actually decent Punisher film.

If Punisher: War Zone turns out as good as it sounds, this could be one of the rare sequels that turn out better than the original - and may be the start of a decent Punisher franchise.

Let’s just hope that the third time is the charm, and Punisher fans will finally get the movie they’ve been waiting almost 2 decades for.