Punisher: War Zone

7/10 acorns
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I wish that I could see someone lobotomized with a chair leg”? I have. That’s why I liked Punisher: War Zone. This most recent attempt to capture the comic book phenomenon is probably the best. However, based on the first two attempts, it didn’t take much.

Ray Stevenson puts in an excellent performance as Frank Castle, the special-ops agent gone vigilante against organized crime. While some might criticize his efforts as one-dimensional or melodramatic, that is exactly what this genre calls for. Fans of Stevenson’s roll in Rome will not be disappointed. While Thomas Jane and Dolph Lundgren were good choices for the Punisher in 2004 and 1989 respectively, Lexi Alexander’s direction has set Stevenson atop.

Even though there are some recognizable talents in Punisher: War Zone, it is clear that Lions Gate Films did not break the bank in production. The soundtrack, locations, and special effects are all modest, but the film delivers the kind of poetic cinematography that the hero movies demand. This is exactly the type of movie that comic book-starved renters will flock to, and I anticipate that, unlike its predecessors, this movie will spawn sequels.

After viewing Punisher: War Zone, the satiated action/comic book lover will reiterate the film’s final line, “Oh God, now I’ve got brains splattered all over me.”