We have some news about the problem riddled Punisher 2 release! We were made aware of the following plot synopsis from our friends at moviesonline:
Waging his one-man war on the world of organized crime, ruthless vigilante-hero Frank Castle sets his sights on overeager mob boss Billy Russoti. After Russoti is left horribly disfigured by Castle, he sets out for vengeance under his new alias: Jigsaw. With the “Punisher Task Force” hot on his trail and the FBI unable to take Jigsaw in, Frank must stand up to the formidable army that Jigsaw has recruited before more of his evil deeds go unpunished.
Starring Ray Stevenson (HBO’s “Rome”) as Punisher, PUNISHER: WAR ZONE is directed by Lexi Alexander and produced by Gale Anne Hurd and Ari Arad. The film’s executive producers are Kevin Feige, Ogden Gavanski, Oliver Hengst and Jeremy Latcham.
I have to be honest with you guys, once Thomas Jain bailed on this project I pretty much lost all hope. He was kept in limbo forever and said “screw it.” I can’t blame him, he isn’t short for work and this isn’t the series that will garner him oscar attention. I hope the best for Ray Stevenson but when Batman started to switch up actors…bad things happened.
This film looks like it is going to get a “restart,” (this is where the first movie happened – but you pretend it didn’t so you don’t have to retell the origin story). This is a good idea, but why call it Punisher 2? How many restarts are we going to get from marvel? Will we have an electra restart as well? I think this tactic is acceptable in moderation, but to restart the Hulk and Punisher franchises so close together has me a bit concerned.
International friends – what are your thoughts on the matter? Punisher 2 – good/bad/meh?
You see guys there is a slight problem i have noticed with the trailer (which apparently happens often in most action flix). First off all, jigsaw was not put through a shredder or thing as you may have seen. He was actualy disfurged by a claymore (read up on your comics my friends) Second; one thing i can’t friggin’ stand is when you take a man like castle and try to spice him up and/or dumb him down. Frank is not some idiotic gun wielding assasin who just shoots and then “oh well bye bye.” HE’S A MARINE FOR CHRIST SAKE!!! The trailer has him dual wielding two pistols in opposing directions!? WTF!?! that is in no way at all tactical no accuracy or anything(but what can i say but “HOLLYWOOD”) he researches everything then puts a plan together (which i must say is inguenius and as well scary) and then goes trough with it almost flawlessly. Every movie strays but this one takes a leap of faith. All i’m hoping is they stay true to the man close to the comic and don’t charlie foxtrot everything up. Either way people will talk much about this one (and i hope its good)
thomas jane is the punisher without him this is goin to bomb im a huge punisher fan but im not even gonna bother with this weak sequal looks crappy from the trailer and the guy playin him is bein way to dramatic look to see this go to dvd very quickly where i still wont bother
The thing about the Punisher movies is that they have no hook. It’s one among many franchises about a dude with guns who shoots people. There’s nothing special about it.
The official title is Punisher: War Zone. And according to the script it is a reboot.
Way I call it: There was some stuff I likedin the Lundgren version.
There was a ton of stuff I liked in the Jane Punisher…
And I’m sure I’ll like this one.
It does not really matter who plays Castle, but from the looks of what is here, I have a pocketful of skepticism on Marvel’s part. “A restart”? Why on earth is that needed? I know Avi seems to dig that Mircochip character (a computer hacker who assists Castle) and if I recall Jon Hensliegh’s commentary, he hated the character.
This new film promises more action, which is a good thing, and does something more than just an average Death Wish/Dirty Harry retread.
However..
I love Marvel, I was a Marvel reader growing up, and like most I am getting a bit of a renaissance. Make Mine Marvel and all that. Still, this “restart” business should stop here and now. Listen: I would settle for good adaptation than something poorly adapted because “it was in the comics, so it HAS to be in there and it HAS to be exact”. Also, some audiences would be confused as to how one film ties into another. There were some who thought ‘Batman Begins’ was a prequel to the Burton/Schumacher films.
On a side note….
I seen TMB throw tons of support behind the “restart” Hulk film (aside from a three second cameo from Campea) without a here no there. When it comes to other characters or franchises, there is “something wrong”.
The closest I have seen in that path is the JLA terror that had once threatened the masses (recasting Batman and Superman while the new franchises were in gear)
Bring back Dolph!! Seriously though I had really high hopes for the first Punisher movie and although it wasn’t terrible, I was extremely disappointed. John Travolta was horrible, but I did like Jane. Too bad he didn’t stick around, this one might be ok. I agree they shouldn’t make it Punisher 2, they should just a reboot.
Thomas Jane had exactly the right feel for the Frank Castle character as far as mainstream Marvel goes – clever, au fait with intense violence and unafraid to beat the piss out of someone to prove a point. Hopefully Ray Stevenson, who was fantastic in Rome as a character with approximately the same dimensions (but perhaps with more of a sense of humour), can fit into the role as easily and as convincingly as Thomas Jane did.
Let’s also hope that his Ashington accent doesn’t slip through the cracks – anyone from the north of England will know exactly what I mean.
I certainly hope so Michael. I do.
Doug I agree on some angles but lets not forget what Christian Bale did for the batman franchise. New Director, New Lead, Awesome new Batman Madness. Perhaps Lexi can do the same.
I really like Ray Stevenson. He was absolutely awesome in Rome. Really bloodthirsty gruesome character. I think he’ll do well in Punisher 2. To be honest, I think he’s a far better actor than Thomas Jane, and while I had no interest in watching the earlier one, I’m interested in seeing this one.
I’ve always been game for Punisher 2. You can’t deny that there is some talent behind this film and i love the concept of seeing an ‘old school’ action film with maxium violence and no CGI, set in New York where Frank Castle belongs.
I’m not counting the days till it comes out but i am keen to see Punisher 2.
I really liked Thomas Jane as The Punisher. I liked the first movie too. If they make this as a restart ..cool cause I hate sequels with diffrent lead actors cause it makes me feel odd when you see a diffrent actor in series that already started. The same goes for TV shows. Like if Homer was re casted on the Simpsons. It would not feel the same. But either way if the trailer looks good, Im there!
I’m with you on this one, Doug. I’m a fan of the Punisher comics but ever since Thomas Jane jump ship, I just didn’t care anymore. The movie wasn’t so great but I felt Thomas play the role of Frank Castle really faithful to the character.