| Overall Grade: |
B |
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| Story: |
C+ |
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| Acting: |
B |
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| Direction: |
B |
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| Visuals: |
B+ |
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Someone finally knows how to put badass in action.
by Carlos el wrey (movies profile)
Dec 5, 2008
16
of
18 people found this review helpful
After two awful shots at the Punisher franchise, director Lexi Alexander finally brings the comics to its true brutal nature and story-telling. But without Thomas Jane, can 'War Zone' still punish? You betcha.
Frank Castle, (now played by Ray Stevenson, from the HBO series 'Rome', for those clueless) whose wife and children were killed by the Mafia after witnessing a murder, has devoted the rest of his life to ruthlessly punishing criminals of all kinds. Now, after maiming the mob boss Billy Russoti, the vigilante finds that he has met his match when it comes to vengeance. Russoti -- now calling himself "Jigsaw," has gathered an army to hunt down Frank, and legitimate law enforcement is powerless to help. It's up to the Punisher to see that this Jigsaw gets put in a box for good.
Marvel's last chance of getting it right succeeds thanks to the talented guidance of director Lexi Alexander, who's previous film "Green Street Hooligans" proved to be well-done. Yeah,a talented filmmaker looking to break out with a high profile project like this. Unlike past times 'War Zone' is all taken out from the comics. The comic's core is truly exposed, taking on the real punisher's enemies, and settings.
Unfortunatly, most of the movie's action relies on its violence. Yes, its brutally intense, and not for the stomach sick. From the first action scene to the end, it's all non-stop series of BOOM! RATATATATA! POWW! Those who haven't seen it... You've been warned.
The movie paces good enough giving some introduction to the character and its backgrounds, as well as the main villains. However, the film takes a while to show its true meaning. At times the movie's take on the supporting character feels ridiculous, making them greater than life.
Stevenson's take on the character is well depicted. He's a harsh unlikable, tiny feelings on the inside, but will do whatever to stop the corrupt. And coming back from incredibly well-acted villains egh* egh* Heath Ledger (Joker) and Aaron Eckhart (Two-Face) egh*, Dominc West's take on the arch-enemy Jigsaw is pretty amazing. His body movements, and delivered lines do make up for his horrendous looks. The rest of the cast includes C actors, so we don't worry about them.
The movie's based on all the gore, so what's left to talk bout visuals. There is nothing out of the ordinary.
Overall, yeah the movie's full of flaws. Those looking for a high-octane action packed film you are in for a ride. Those who are left... stay away from it as possible. After seeing a bunch of ridiculous action flicks, I have finally come up with one that's got my attention, and I have to admit it: Punisher War Zone was badass. |
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