MOVIE - THE PUNISHER - Review Rating $$$$ (OUT OF 10)
STARRING - Tom Jane (Frank Castle/Punisher), John Travolta (Howard Saint), Will Patton (Quentin Glass), Laura Harring (Livia Saint), Ben Foster (Spacker Dave), Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (Joan), Samantha Mathis (Maria Castle), John Pinette (Mr. Bumpo), Mark Collie (Hary "Heck") & Roy Scheider (Mr. Castle).
DIRECTOR/CO-WRITER - Jonathan Hensleigh (debut)
Based on the Marvel comic book.
The odd thing about the proliferation of big screen adaptations of comic books is the dumbing down effect they've had. Most of these films are so rife with plot holes that its become almost pointless to continually point this fact out. The Punisher, unfortunately, proudly continues this tradition.
The net effect of becoming used to watching movies, with more holes in their scripts than a slice of swiss cheese, is that they lower the bar for other films. All of sudden you find yourself extolling the virtues of movies you once would've considered second rate. This is not a positive development.
If I can't criticize The Punisher for its plot holes I still reserve the right to comment on my other pet peeve about most such adaptations. If you want to be taken seriously, despite your comic book origins, then you must produce a film that has a modicum of credibility. It's hard, to take The Punisher as seriously as it wants to be taken, when all the mayhem and destruction that occurs fails to attract the attention of even a single innocent bystander.
At just over two hours in length The Punisher stretches more than the boundaries of credibility. There simply isn't a reasonable excuse for this very thin story dragging on for this long. I didn't leave the theater thinking I got my money's worth just because I was forced to endure this drivel for an extended period of time.
The Punisher is as subtle as the proverbial brick. If you enjoy being hit over the head then this is the movie for you.
Running time - 124 minutes
Roger Ebert's Review
Peter Travers / Rolling Stone Review
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
The Punisher Official Web Site
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© Copyright
2005
David Schwartz.
Last update:
2/28/05; 1:49:44 AM.
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