Just got back from seeing the Punisher. As some of you may know, I’m a rabid fan of the comic. I have been, ever since Garth Ennis began writing it. And let me tell you, the movie is just about as good as the 12 issues it’s based on—and that’s saying something. Indeed, this is a hard review to write—not because I have anything bad to say, but because the people making this movie got it right. The right amount of violence, the right amount of angst, and thank goodness, the right amount of humor. Twisted, frightening, somewhat absurd humor—but perfect for the tone of the movie.
Speaking of perfection, Thomas Jane nails it as Frank Castle. This is not an easy character to play, but Jane has the look and the attitude, and he brings soul to a man who could easily be demonized as heartless (though Frank Castle is anything but). Thomas Jane also has one of the most beautiful bodies I’ve ever seen in my life, and spends (thank you) most of the movie shirtless. Life is good.
I also enjoyed the supporting cast, and it was nice to see Joan and Spacker Dave make it to the big screen. I was worried about John Travolta (some of his past performances have been too over-the-top to be believable), but he plays Howard Saint like the sinner he is, and nothing he does in this movie is trivial. He’s a bad, bad man—but you know what? Frank Castle is badder. He is one brilliant, scary SOB.
And, to quote another Marvel character, he’s the best there is at what he does—and what he does is punish.
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