Was this change-up needed?

Now before we jump the gun let's make sure that we clarify that this is not a sequel, but rather a branch off of the April 2004 film The Punisher. For me the second one (starring Thomas Jane) was a good film and served its purpose, but I guess the new Director Lexi Alexander had a matter of different opinion.

With this Punisher film we somewhat fast-forward to Frank Castle (Ray Stevenson) beginning his vigilante rampage over those that have killed his family. He is now six years into his revenge mission when he is alerted that one of the main killers Billy Russoti (Dominic West) has escaped to his recycling plant hideout. From there Castle infiltrates Russoti's hideout and murders Nicky Donatelli as he is exiting the bathroom. The ensuing gunshot alerts Russoti, and a brief fire fight between he and Castle ensues, ending in Russoti being thrown into a glass-crushing machine which only ends up hideously disfiguring the overeager gangster. At the same time another gun fight takes place between Frank and Russoti's men. And Castle, who has taken cover behind the body of Donatelli (Romano Orzari), realizes that the man he killed was wearing a wire. This one incident opens his eyes and knotches a brief flaw that could be come fatal. He know feels indebted to the Donatelli family and adds that to his mission of revenge.

Forced back into the war, the Punisher now faces off against Jigsaw's formidable army in order to save the lives of an innocent family as a result of his actions putting them on the firing line.

One thing that many can say if nothing else is that it stays true to the comics and the origin. The actual physical appearance of Frank Castle is much more accurate out of the three films combined, but that is one of the few pluses. Unfortunately, the plot was a little thin, but it does give viewers one loud action packed, violent film. Saddly, with this film the acting was a little too much, Dominic West charcter "Jigsaw" was really killing me with the NY Italian accent. To a degree this film is a tad bit gory and over violent for my taste. It seemed as though every other scene was someone getting their head blown off or being bitten. From the minute that the film starts one might be grossed out if you have a weak stomach. About 20 mins into the film, I could have walked out but I had to see how this was going to maybe get better, or potentially worse. One thing that I will say is that All in all, I will admit it was definitely action-packed but maybe just not in the way that truly assisted the movie. Even with its twist an turns of the pseudo "Punisher Task Force" and the crazy nut of a brother Looney Bin Jim, and the lil girl being named Grace (excellent choice, by the way) this movie was somewhat of a flop. But hey they tried right....I guess.

And if there is not more insult to injury, on its opening weekend Punisher: War Zone only grossed $4 million in 2,508 theaters in the United States, ranking at #8 at the box office, this would be Marvel's third box office flop with the first being Howard the Duck and second being Elektra. Now as it relates to a sequel this is what Ray Stevenson had to say, "I have expressed interest in sequels, hinting Barracuda as a possible villain. At the 2008 San-Diego Comic-Con, when asked if he signed on for more Punisher, he said, 'If I had my wish, it's going to run and run. It's up to the fan base. If this works, we get to do it all again.'" Well we will just have to see how the masses take to this film. Go at your own risk.

Grade: C