*Stares at his Punisher Sideshow Collectibles statue, then nods and smiles*
I now have to admit that I'm pretty stoked for Punisher: War Zone. (How stoked? I guess an analogy would be how knightquest was for The Dark Knight. Wait, nevermind, I'm not THAT stoked. Hah.)
Now, before I elaborate (and post some of the new previews), let me clarify (or re-iterate if I've said this before) my thoughts on the previous two films:
1989 film - Forgettable, it's not in my collection.
2004 film - I think Johnathan Hensleigh did pretty well in borrowing heavily from Punisher: Year One, and Welcome Back, Frank. IMO, I think Thomas Jane was a great pick because I think he looks pretty close to Mike Zeck, Ross Andru, and Steve Dillon's interpretations of Punisher. I think the only problem with this film was that it appealed more to fans who know about the aforementioned comics; I think those who were casual fans or just viewed it from a action film perspective were the ones disappointed. Yet, the thing about Punisher is, yes, he was created in 1974, but he didn't have a series until the 80s, when he became part of a slew of antiheroes and action heroes in that decade (For example, Charles Bronson in the Death Wish sequels, the Governator in Commando, Mad Max, Chow Yun Fat's characters in John Woo films, etc.). Therefore, I think it's valid to say Punisher is a knockoff of such archetypes; then again, I guess what really made me a fan is that he represents two of my favorite pasttimes: comic books and action films (specifically, from the 70s and 80s, but honorable mention for films from the 60s). I have my older brother who showed such media to me from those decades to thank.
As for the upcoming film...
I think this will appeal to both fans of the comic and action film fans. For the latter, his "origin," is to the point (and also is the only one that accurately portrays what happened to his family; no dragged out scenes or Mad Max knockoff), so there should be plenty of action to satisfy. As for the former, it's a nice mix of an old school villain, a little bit of Garth Ennis' run on Marvel Knights, and mostly, from Ennis' run on the MAX lineup. IMO, Ray Stevenson resembles the MAX version and subtly, John Romita Jr.'s interpretation.
Officially, on the main site, there are two TV spots and one exclusive clip from Lexi herself.
Unofficially, this site has video interviews with the cast and a couple more clips from the movie.. I think Lexi knows what she's doing and I'll definitely see this on December 5th. No doubt that I'll post a review of some kind (even if it's just a snap judgment one).
Now, before I elaborate (and post some of the new previews), let me clarify (or re-iterate if I've said this before) my thoughts on the previous two films:
1989 film - Forgettable, it's not in my collection.
2004 film - I think Johnathan Hensleigh did pretty well in borrowing heavily from Punisher: Year One, and Welcome Back, Frank. IMO, I think Thomas Jane was a great pick because I think he looks pretty close to Mike Zeck, Ross Andru, and Steve Dillon's interpretations of Punisher. I think the only problem with this film was that it appealed more to fans who know about the aforementioned comics; I think those who were casual fans or just viewed it from a action film perspective were the ones disappointed. Yet, the thing about Punisher is, yes, he was created in 1974, but he didn't have a series until the 80s, when he became part of a slew of antiheroes and action heroes in that decade (For example, Charles Bronson in the Death Wish sequels, the Governator in Commando, Mad Max, Chow Yun Fat's characters in John Woo films, etc.). Therefore, I think it's valid to say Punisher is a knockoff of such archetypes; then again, I guess what really made me a fan is that he represents two of my favorite pasttimes: comic books and action films (specifically, from the 70s and 80s, but honorable mention for films from the 60s). I have my older brother who showed such media to me from those decades to thank.
As for the upcoming film...
I think this will appeal to both fans of the comic and action film fans. For the latter, his "origin," is to the point (and also is the only one that accurately portrays what happened to his family; no dragged out scenes or Mad Max knockoff), so there should be plenty of action to satisfy. As for the former, it's a nice mix of an old school villain, a little bit of Garth Ennis' run on Marvel Knights, and mostly, from Ennis' run on the MAX lineup. IMO, Ray Stevenson resembles the MAX version and subtly, John Romita Jr.'s interpretation.
Officially, on the main site, there are two TV spots and one exclusive clip from Lexi herself.
Unofficially, this site has video interviews with the cast and a couple more clips from the movie.. I think Lexi knows what she's doing and I'll definitely see this on December 5th. No doubt that I'll post a review of some kind (even if it's just a snap judgment one).