The Punisher
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Movie Reviews of The Punisher
Movie Review: I really liked this film
Summary: 4 Stars
Dolf Lungren truely captures the "Punisher". Although at times he seems stiff, it's still the punisher. Watching this movie I thought it captures the pain and anger better than the 2004 version.Movie Review: So much better than the 2004 version
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie is so much better than the new 04 version. If Batman Begins
is the perfect adaptation from comic book character to big screen hero,
The Punisher (2004) is the perfect example of how to destroy a great
comic book character. The first thirty minutes are boring and
unoriginal. Whereas Christopher Nolan made good use of the first half
of Batman Begins to present a credible transition from rich man's son
to Dark Knight, Jonathan Hensleigh bores viewers to death by picturing
Frank Castle as the perfect American family man who then loses his
beautiful wife and perfect son in a cheap Mad Max rip off. In contrast,
the 1989 low budget but far superior version started off smack in the
middle of the action with a seriously disturbed ex cop already on the
rampage and the reason for his decline into madness was gradually
explained by means of flashbacks and memories form Louis Gousset Jr
trying to bring his old friend back into a sane life. But whereas the
comic book Punisher, brought to life by similarly huge 6' 6" Dolph
Lundgren in the first movie, becomes a bitter, meaner than hell, cold
blooded killer with no compassion whatsoever, the 04 Frank Castle turns
into your friendly neighborhood watchman who uses an ice cream cone to
"torture" his first victim. Batman Begins also has its share of humor,
but it is subtle and not out of place. The bad guys don't fare much
better. Whereas Jeroen Krabbe also had his share of trouble with the
Yakuza in the 80s version, at least he was a serious gangster not to be
taken lightly. John Travolta is a looser who can't stand his own
against other mobsters and is being pushed around by his wife. Message
to all Punisher fans: go rent the 1989 version or just stick to the
written word, but don't spent any money on this monstrosity which shows
no respect whatsoever to a great comic book series.
Movie Review: Original and Best
Summary: 5 Stars
Better then the 2004 version hands down. Dolph Lundgren plays the ultimate punisher, captures and delivers the story of an ice cold world that is "The Punisher". Just a great movie for this character, total classic.Movie Review: Good for what it is, not for what fans might try to make it...
Summary: 4 Stars
In regards to the accuracy of the first Punisher movie's storyline compared to the comic, the die-hard comic fans who complain are right. It fails miserably--no skull-adorned outfits to be seen, a changed backstory, no Microchip, none of the villains, etc. But the 2004 film fails on many levels too. We've had two misses so far, so if you want to see a faithful comic-book adaptation of The Punisher, please stop whining and get to work on doing it properly yourself; I'd personally like to see an accurate translation of the comic too!
But the Dolph Lundgren and Thomas Jane movies are all we have, and the '89 version is in my mind the better one. The 2004 film feels likes a bastardized cash-grab made to get in on the profit generated by recent superhero movies. Travolta's star power is plastic, prettyboy Thomas Jane is plastic, and imbuing The Punisher with sensitive humanitarian qualities is plastic. As with the 1989 film, the backstory and origin are changed from the comic, but the 1989 one is much more plausible, even if an unnecessary modification. And while the 2004 does include the all-important skull symbol, it's just that--symbolism. People may gravitate towards it as an icon, but if you think for a second that a white skull is more integral to the Punisher than ideals of vigilantism and vengeance, you've either totally failed to grasp what the Punisher has been about since his first Spider-Man appearance, or you've been quite profitable for Marvel's merchandising department.
The movie is actually quite similar to another critically-panned Dolph Lundgren adaptation, Masters of the Universe. Both fail at being faithful translations of their respective original storylines, but both end up being fun movies on their own merits, partly because they're so exaggerated.
I've seen a lot of complaints about some parts of this movie, but within the context of the film, they work well. Dolph does give an almost robotic, deadpan performance, but adds to the stoic and brooding nature of the character. Did you expect the Punisher to be pro-social? Having him live in the sewer is an odd choice, but Dolph is portraying a filthy, lo-tech Punisher, and it's kind of a humorous touch to his reclusive character. Lundgren looks the role, and in the movie's context, he fits the role, too. Would an ex-cop hiding out in the sewers have money for the same kind of arsenal as in the comics, or for a custom skull outfit? Lundgren's Punisher is anti-social and merciless, and feels right, moreso than Having Frank Castle partner up with a drunk ex-thespian was never in the comic, but it's no less plausible than any typical Marvel villain (and much more plausible than Jane's Punisher helping out neighboring tenants in an apartment, as if he would really care after his whole life was taken away by criminals).
Generally the best performances of the movie are those who most exaggerated (and probably had the most fun with) their roles. Kim Miyori is wonderfully sadistic in her role as the head of the Yakuza, and Barry Otto provides some surprisingly non-annoying comic relief in his inebriated role. As the cops, Louis Gossett Jr. and Nancy Everhard got the worst roles; although the acting is no real problem, their characters (especially Gossett's) fall too much into the stereotypical buddy-buddy cops with overdeveloped morals. That just made the end of the movie that much more satisfying, though.
I originally watched this on Showtime as a kid in the '80s, and while I think the '80s B-movie era which produced this film was the time that best served it, I think it can still be enjoyed today. Just remember that this should be taken as a low-budget action/vigilante flick it was meant to be--too many people try to make this into a superhero flick which it was never trying to be. It's more similar to Death Wish II, and Lundgren's deadpanning almost matches Charles Bronson's. There's also sort of a perverse sense of humor about the movie as with the Death Wish films. Quite honestly, sometimes it's just fun to see people get mercilessly blown away, stabbed, or strangled, especially if they've deserved it. Some of the dialogue is also so bad it's good. Check out the panda bear scene, or some of Dolph's classic one liners when being interrogated by the Yakuza or by Louis Gossett Jr.
Again, this isn't a great adaptation of the comic, and it may not be what Marvel intended the Punisher to be (in some ways the Punisher here is more similar to Marvel's old Nomad character). There's no doubt a better film could have been made under different circumstances. But given the resources, context, and environment of the movie, this is The Punisher that should have been made.
Movie Review: ... last of the '80's ultra violent 'B' action film's, in the tradition of "Stallone's Cobra" & "Schwarzenneger's Commando"
Summary: 5 Stars
A dark, gritty & violently bloody adaptation of the 'Marvil' comic book character, the way The Punisher was meant to be... brooding, cold, unremoresful & brutal!
After viewing the recent film version (though i enjoyed it), an unsure feeling of disappointment stayed with me long after. The Punisher i wanted & foolishly expected (blasting away through another violent outburst of vengeance upon the guilty) was just a nostalgic day dream, wishful thinking... oh well, can't win 'em all!
Anyway, lucky for 'B' lover's this '80's gem is with us, based on a great character & a concept i personally love. Also, for a film of this kind, performances by all are surprisingly well executed & pleasing to watch, the title role is portrayed beautifully by 'Dolph Lundgren' (as if he were born for the part) & 'Louis Gossett.Jr,' brilliantly adds a touch of emotion & drama to the film, while Australian born actor 'Barry Otto' delivers a quirky & amusing supporting role as character "Shake".
A fun action ride & one of the best comic book to film adaptations around!