This really is a good movie, but Dolph Lundgren’s portrayal of the Punisher isn’t at all like the comics. One could point that out as the director’s fault, so blame isn’t very placable at all. The problem is that Castle (the Punisher) seems very stiff and emotionless while the character in the comics often showed emotion. Granted, it was all anger and focus, but the character had good dialogue and was interesting. Sadly, Lundgren just lumbers about, drearily says his lines, and shoots people. Not very focused or angry in emotion.
The plot of the movie is actually pretty cool. Frank Castle is a former police officer (changed from a Marine like in the comics, which would have been funner and would make the character’s abilities seem more natural, but if you can swallow any other action movie you’ll be fine with this.) He’s angry about the mob attack that took the life of his wife and children, and turns in to the vigilante known as the Punisher. He rules the roost in New York, killing all of the mobsters he can get his hands on. His ex-partner is trying to prove that Frank is the Punisher in order to bring him to justice and to help him emotionally. A drug deal for the Mafia is ruined by the Yakuza, who also kidnap the Mafia council’s children. Frank feels guilty for the kidnappings (having spurred conflict,) and tries to save the children. The movie escalates beyond this (as any good movie does) but it shouldn’t be spoiled for those who haven’t seen it.
The movie does a lot of things right. It’s fast paced, most of the sequencing makes sense, and while the gunfights are entertaining it’s the hand to hand combat that makes it interesting. It helps that Lundgren is (in real life) a martial arts expert, giving the movie a chance to show off a little. Now, the problem with this movie is the acting. Not just on the portrayal of the Punisher, but many of the other characters just botch their lines horribly as well. The only good actor in this movie is Louis Gosett Jr, who brings the only true respect this film version of the comic will ever have.
If you want to see a movie great in concept and plot (especially if you like 80’s cop movies like Black Rain,) check this out. But if you absolutely can’t stand cheesy acting, hold back. Great movie for fans of “The Evil Dead” and “Army of Darkness” movies in terms of believability.
