Why the Punisher: War Zone is Going to be GREAT!

The first Punisher movie starring Thomas Jane received mixed reviews. I felt that even though there was a redeeming quality or two to the movie (the Russian fight anyone?), that overall, it felt like a hugely inconsistent flick. First the filmmakers decide to kill not only Frank Castle's wife and kid, but his WHOLE FRIGGIN' FAMILY! So it seems like we are going to see some brutal violence at that point. Then, they turn around and film the rest of the movie with a more timid and watered down tone. So in the end, I was left confused.



Now from what I've read, the next Punisher movie is being scoffed at already. If there was one thing that people liked about the first movie, it was Thomas Jane as Frank Castle. When it was announced that he had dropped out, hope among fans for a good sequel seemed to disappear with him. I'm here to tell you why the new Punisher movie (AKA Punisher: War Zone), isn't a joke, and why you should be lining up to see it when it opens on September 12th, 2008.......

Awesome Ennis

Director Lexi Alexander has time and time again commented that the main source of inspiration for this movie is the Punisher Max title written by Garth Ennis. Ennis is the undisputed king of all things violent in comics, and he is obviously a perfect fit for the Punisher. So the fact that Alexander is looking to adapt his uber violent and gritty version of frank Castle to the silver screen is promising. It wouldn't be fair if I didn't mention that the first movie was based loosely on Ennis's "Welcome Back Frank" Punisher arc. However, the lackluster handling of certain aspects of Ennis's story is essentially what tore the movie down, and added to the inconsistent feel (Spacker Dave, Mr. Bumpo, and weird mousy chick anyone?).

Ray Stevenson

He's perfect as Frank Castle. Hell, he basically was the Roman Centurion soldier version of Castle on the HBO series ROME. He has the presence, and the intensity to bring Castle to life. I think he will surprise a lot of people, and make them forget about Jane's rendition of the character.

The New "Costume"

The word costume is stretching it. This time around, Castle will be going for functionality over looks. The more gritty, and realistic reasoning for his garb being the way it is will help give the movie that grounded in reality feeling that a film like this should have. Hopefully they'll ditch the weird introduction of the skull logo that was used in the first movie.

Bloody Brilliance

Like I mentioned earlier, I don't want to see a faux-violent Punisher movie. I want blood and guts everywhere. In the newest issue of Wizard, director Lexi Alexander mentions that the movie will be a "Hard R." Amen sister. The first Punisher was rated R, but probably only missed the PG-13 cut by a cuss word or two. So this time around, look for things to be cranked to 11 so to speak.

This film is going to sneak up on all of you, so just remember who told you first (Me, duh)!