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You're reading a really old version of matt-thornton's website. For example, if you're looking at the movie reviews... you'll notice that none of them are of recent films. Indeed, I leave them here for posterity's sake, but I doubt very much that they'll get updated anytime soon. So have a giggle.

You might, if you're lucky, find something recent from Matt at his blog matt's debates. Kernow bys vyken.

The Punisher

the one line review:

superhero agogo

the overview

This, another of the Marvel comics goes film, depicts the story of a man seeking vengeance for the death of his family. Shot in a similar no holds barred light to the likes of Kill Bill, is a reasonable attempt at being dark and gruesome, yet maintaining the comic book feel.

the plot:

Frank Castle (Jane) is The Punisher - ex FBI agent who's family are murdered by Howard Saint (Travolta) and right hand man Quentin Glass (Patton, whom you know from Gone in 60 Seconds). Reason being, that in the last job that Castle did for the FBI before retiring was that he inadvertently killed one of Saint's sons.

Castle singlehandedly goes after everyone involved in the killing of his family, by both killing them, and destroying the life and business of evil druglord Saint.

Death, fire and guns ensue and a suitably fitting ending ends the film.

the verdict:

Comic book films are a genre of their own, and in recent years have seen a deluge of them... The Hulk (crap) and Spiderman 1&2 (OK) to name but a few. It's important to maintain the tongueincheekedness of them, whilst still delivering a worthwhile film. Accordingly, considerations to the more practical side of things (like, where are the cops and why haven't they busted anyone) are ignored.

Jane does a good job as The Punisher. There are many muscle bounded shots of him, as well as plenty of opportunities for him to deliver a kicking, as well as receive a kicking (watch out for a cameo from Diesel of WWF fame as the Russian).

We also get the bitpart roles from the three nobodies akin to the Clark Kent/Peter Parker roles of other comic books. The geeks who are good, and ultimately help save the day (including the bird who was the scientist with the messy apartment that Ross dates in Friends).

John Travolta is a bit weak. I just don't buy him as a nasty. He was pretty crap in Face/Off, and this film is no exception.

The cinematography is worthwhile - plenty of decidedly nasty people meet a suitably macabre ending (runovers, trainovers, knives, swords and bowls of pea soup aplenty). It's gruesome, yet reserved, and whilst it does carry an 18 certificate, it doesn't go overboard with the gutblasting, which is probably wise. The point of the film is to examine the concept of inflicting revenge and is covered well.

This film has had rave reviews from many critics, and it's an enjoyable watch. It's definitely a lads film, so don't rent it if you're on for a quiet night in with the missus.