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| The Punisher |
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| Anticipation Level: |
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| How excited (or not) I am to see this movie... |
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Last night, my wife and I got to see the advanced screening of The Punisher. I walked into the movie trying to push away any expectations of this film. Being so immersed in this character, I was afraid nothing could live up to my standards. I will let you know right now, that I LOVED this film.
It's too early for me to give away spoilers, I'll wait until after the weekend when some more of us have seen it.
I know a lot of folks are afraid this is going to be another 'revenge' style movie in which we've all seen before. The movie wasnt like that at all. In fact, I've never seen a movie like this before. Whatever movie I thought "The Punisher" was going to be, I was overjoyed by the movie we got, and was pleasantly surprised at how different this film was. Jonathan Hensleigh does a great job of mixing in serious storytelling while injecting just enough comic book fare to be true to the source material. I think some movie go-ers will have a hard time with the comic themes, however. Not to say its bad, but in some of the bad reviews I've read for the film, I dont agree with the comments, but its because they dont get the style of the movie, because it really is like watching a Garth Ennis comic onscreen. A healthy dose of humor, and dark comedy help this movie stand apart as one of the great comic book movies of all time.
Thomas Jane does such a great job as Frank Castle that its almost hard to see Jane who's almost unrecognizable under all that muscle and black garb. He really did his homework with the character. This Punisher is very much the "Year One" version. The silent destruction of his soul, the booze, and the hate. In key action sequences, the Garth Ennis version of the character shines. You see him transform into The Punisher all the way through the film, and in one very key scene (my favorite of the film) is at the end, when his fight is over, he has to make a decision. He's alone in his apartment, just sitting there (again, not going to spoil it), and it speaks volumes to me. Once the scene is over you know, he's reached that peak. You know he's discovered that part inside of him that's left. And its not very pretty. I loved it. Loved that scene.
John Travolta, I know he's the one most are worried about in comic book land. Let me assure you folks, he does a great job, and is quite underspoken throughout the film until he knows the **** has really hit the fan. I liked Howard Saint as a character. Deeply flawed, and emotionally wounded. He's so paranoid to the world around him, and really seems off his balance to be as highly regarded in society as he is. Almost lacking in confidence. He doesnt just chew up lines and blow up in scenes. He really acts in this film. Great villain, very much his own worst enemy.
The rest of the cast really held up a strong core of the movie. Samantha Mathis was an incredible Maria Castle. I really wish we could have seen more of her. She and Jane had a great chemisty and when the moment of truth arrived, it was that much more painful to see, very emotional, powerful. Marcus Johns did a good job as Will Castle. Rebecca Romijn-Stamos did a nice job as Joan. The character is slightly altered from the comics, but her pain is brought on by the decisions (very poor ones) she's made in her life, and she brilliantly underplayed, very much the voice of reason at times, even though those words fall on deaf ears. Ben Foster was so good as Dave. I really liked this character. Again, I dont think I wouldve recognized Foster under all that hair and piercings. He's very much a down on his luck, loser... but there's a goodness to him, thats so honorable, that you really connect with Dave. And the "No one ever stood up for me before line" that I know people had a hard time swallowing in the trailer works fine here. Trust me, the scene plays out fairly comedic, and works well with that line. Laura Harring, my is she gorgeous, plays Saint's wife. She really wasnt in the film much, but its because of her, that the film plays out like it does. And its cruel fate, for everyone.
(small spoilers)
A brief plot synopsis for you, if I still have your attention. Frank Castle has one last project before grabbing early retirement, and moving to London and being with his family with whom he has neglecting due to his job. The assignment goes horribly wrong and Howard Saint's son is killed. Of course We all know what happens next and Castle is left alone in this world having everyone in his family killed. Once he returns, Castle begins planning his war. Slowly observing those close to Saint. He plots, and plots, throwing distrust at Saint, regarding his men, and wife.
And that's all I'm giving you, so deal, its only 4 more days til friday. But go see this film. This is a comic book movie, and its handled like such, but with more realism than has been dealt with before. Largely due to Frank Castle not being super powered, he has to deal with his enemies with his wits,and combat training. And when you finally see him cut loose, you'll be amazed. The Russian fight is incredible. The two of them beat the mortal hell out of each other, and its brutal, and quite funny in places. With the exception of a scene at the end, which I didnt particularly care for, I loved this movie. Is it perfect, no... its not. Is it true to the character, yes. Entertaining, check. Its one of those few comic book films that maintains the true nature of the character and the material, and its plays out wonderfully on screen. Go see The Punisher this weekend. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
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