Lions Gate Films | Release Date: April 16, 2004
8.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 734 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
565
Mixed:
85
Negative:
84
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9
Bruce722Nov 29, 2012
As usual, the critics got it wrong with this one. It's been a while since I first saw it but even after knowing what happens and how and when it does, it's still a great movie. Other than Daredevil, this would probably the most underratedAs usual, the critics got it wrong with this one. It's been a while since I first saw it but even after knowing what happens and how and when it does, it's still a great movie. Other than Daredevil, this would probably the most underrated comic-to-film adaptation I've ever seen. Thomas Jane leads a solid cast and the plot is interesting and complex without losing the audience. Overall, a very enjoyable experience. Expand
20 of 21 users found this helpful201
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9
Longo12Feb 7, 2014
I love this movie! One of my favorite comic book movies ever! I don't care what critics say about it. I can watch this movie 100 times and not get bored. The scenes with the assassins are easily the best parts and so much fun to watch. TomI love this movie! One of my favorite comic book movies ever! I don't care what critics say about it. I can watch this movie 100 times and not get bored. The scenes with the assassins are easily the best parts and so much fun to watch. Tom Jane will forever be the Punisher to me. Great movie! Expand
19 of 23 users found this helpful194
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10
Karl2294Sep 16, 2015
My favourite all-time film! It's not, by any means, an impressive film.. But it's a film that you can sit back, switch off and watch over and over. It's a feel-good-kick-ass film. 10/10
24 of 31 users found this helpful247
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8
wizards666Aug 1, 2023
Very entertaining and cheesy! Frank Castle becomes The Punisher in this straightforward origin story. The writing is atrocious, but the violence and the thrills are on-point.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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0
Ascended333Oct 25, 2021
The Punisher is such a bad film that it becomes inadvertently entertaining; it’s
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
DarkwingSchmuckMar 13, 2022
The most earnest attempt at bringing this Marvel comics character to the big screen, The Punisher is still ultimately a grim, dour, and dull beast.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
DitJun 14, 2011
I really don't get why people are hating this movie! I recently watched it on t.v. and it is now one of my all time favorites! Don't listen to the critics. They don't know what they are talking about on some movies.
14 of 17 users found this helpful143
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9
DazStikesBackJan 1, 2018
Have recently watched this whole series on Netflix, back to back. Hands down the best series I watched last year (2017). It’s a marvel movie that finally allows the main protagonist to take off their PC gloves and give the villains theHave recently watched this whole series on Netflix, back to back. Hands down the best series I watched last year (2017). It’s a marvel movie that finally allows the main protagonist to take off their PC gloves and give the villains the payback they deserve. It came across as being far more realistic than other movies of this genera. I highly recommend it, and have done to many of my friends, who have also given me good feedback on it. Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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9
Catenary44Jun 8, 2021
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$..............................
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4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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10
SolariumJan 12, 2020
A+ Thomas, John, Samantha, Ben, Will & Rebecca are perfect. ****************
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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9
DefameApr 30, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Revealing mistakes (around 24 mins) After Castle shoots the gas tank, it blows up the henchman setting him on fire and you can see the fireproof mask and gloves on him. Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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9
ReceptacleJun 24, 2021
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3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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9
Xenophobe114Jun 25, 2021
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3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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9
TheQuietGamerApr 29, 2017
Before the MCU came into being and saved the day, a lot of Marvel characters were having a rough time finding success on the big-screen during the 2000s. Spider-Man and the X-Men were doing fine, and even Blade did well enough to get himselfBefore the MCU came into being and saved the day, a lot of Marvel characters were having a rough time finding success on the big-screen during the 2000s. Spider-Man and the X-Men were doing fine, and even Blade did well enough to get himself a trilogy. The rest of the Marvel heroes though? Not so much. They were met with poor reviews and disappointed fans. Even The Punisher was met with critical backlash, although for the life of me I can't see why.

It's an awesome origin story that plays out as a superhero revenge story. It's dark, brutal, and Thomas Jane absolutely nails it as Frank Castle. There are even some nice bits of dark humor, scenes pulled straight from the comics, and is just as violent as one would expect a Punisher movie to be. Unlike Daredevil it actually manages to nail the mature, gritty tone. Something a lot of superhero movies have struggled with over the years and even still do.

It's interesting to see how many familiar faces were pulled from Punisher comics to fill out the supporting cast. The movie offers quite a bit of fan-service for those who are clued in. The mob family Castle sees himself fighting against feels a little generic, and Travolta is surprisingly flat as the main villain, but none of that gets in the way of how satisfying the violence is. It's also got an old-school feel. Revenge has never been quite so satisfying.

Yes, the early 2000s weren't the kindest to a lot of Marvel's characters. The critics took shots at The Punisher that honestly feel undeserved. During a time when Daredevil, The Fantastic Four, and even Hulk were failing to do those classic characters justice (they really tried though, I'll give them that), The Punisher stood tall and delivered. It's one heck of a satisfying revenge flick, a bleak vigilante tale, a throwback to the gritty action movies of the 70's and 80's, and something truly different from every other superhero movie out there. It's a treat for fans of the comics and a great action movie for everyone else.
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4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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10
cnMar 6, 2008
I really enjoyed this film. It wasn't made to impress critics with high expectations who've never read the comic and give harsh reviews. Behind the violence, justified by the actions the mob took against Castle, there is a story. I really enjoyed this film. It wasn't made to impress critics with high expectations who've never read the comic and give harsh reviews. Behind the violence, justified by the actions the mob took against Castle, there is a story. This movie was based on a comic and stays loyal to it. If you're not a fan of the comic or action films, instead of trying to figure out reasons to hate it try and commend what the director and actors have brought forward. This film stays a lot more loyal to the comic than the 1989 film. The atmosphere of the comic is well recreated and and isn't just typical Hollywood bullsh*t. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful
2
actiniumNov 26, 2020
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
KelvinSelimorJan 30, 2022
The Punisher. Only one word - Revenge. The Punisher is reminiscent of a typical action movie from the 70s and 80s. An unkillable hero and a vicious villain. Thomas Jane showed his hero well, for which we thank him!
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
alexandreaDec 1, 2021
It´s not as good as the one with Dolph Lundgren but still is quite awesome. I wish they made a sequel.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
Appendage7Jan 17, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Stylized Credits

The Marvel Comics logo features comic-book images of the Punisher in its pages; after it fully forms, it is shot three times and "bleeds" white paint which forms the Punisher's skull, and the film's title. See more »
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
ExcommunicadoJan 19, 2020
The original film, with no edits, clocked in at 2 hours and 56 minutes.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
BeefermaticMar 14, 2021
This is a great bloody cold hearted action flick from start to finish. It's **** awesome!
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
Aversion68May 1, 2021
When this was released on DVD in September 2004, it surprised "Marvel" by selling nearly 2 million copies in its first five days.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
dabble26May 11, 2021
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
Eulogist111May 22, 2021
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
Autopsy904Jun 14, 2021
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
Pluto744Jun 22, 2021
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
Palindrome704Jun 30, 2021
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
HutakeNov 28, 2017
I really enjoy that movie when I was a kid and continuing liking it. Thats not the kinda movie too win a oscar or something but its a fine one........
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
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4
kiroaramaJun 29, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Rewatching this film was a mistake, I remember liking it when i was younger but now...
The acting is painfully awkward and cringey. Frank's motivations for taking revenge are on point but you never feel that it was a big loss for him, they try to compensate that with: "Look how much he drinks" and "Look how dead inside he looks". He lost his entire family very recently and it looks like all of that happened many years ago or he never cared about them.
The motivations for people to help him are very thin, there's all that stuff about family with the people he shares building but there's barely any development between them and Frank.
The pacing is bad, it goes to fast, not enough time to develop characters and situations.
The writing and dialog are also really low quality.
It's sad, because I think Thomas Jane looks great as The Punisher.
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2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
Aerialist277Jun 18, 2021
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1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
Acquit77Jul 18, 2021
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1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
Libation70Jul 31, 2021
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1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
DeviousBastardApr 19, 2011
Well executed revenge flick, well acted, with great action. But it's not really about revenge, it's punishment! Love that line. Tom Jane is great as the Punisher and I love the music.
3 of 7 users found this helpful34
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8
CelidorDec 10, 2018
Firstly I want to say this is another case of the respected critics seeming to not live in the same world as the rest of us. Not everyone will like this movie but rating it so low just tells me that the respect these critics have is notFirstly I want to say this is another case of the respected critics seeming to not live in the same world as the rest of us. Not everyone will like this movie but rating it so low just tells me that the respect these critics have is not deserved.

I really enjoyed this movie. Classic revenge story (sorry, Punishment story), with a bit of unexpected almost goofy humour along with some seemingly intentional tongue in cheek scenes that I very much enjoyed. Plus penty of old west style quick-draws to add to the fun. Captured the essence of a comic book better than most comic book movies. Interestingly John Travolta doesn't stand out as some over the top villian like he usually does in other villian roles. Instead he, and everything else, somehow has a believable realistic feel to it. It makes it more disturbing that he feels like a real person that surely exists in the real world in some form. An interesting balance was achieved in this film between reality and comic book fantasy, as well as seriousness and humour. It all feels more believable than something like Batman Begins, which itself aimed more for realism than past comic movies. The superhero is never really super (though that is true of the comic it is based off of). And there is plenty of luck involved in his success as well as some clever preparation and equipment.

I have no real issues with the film. Only really wanting more from it. Wish they'd fleshed out the bad guys wife a bit more since she was a key player. I rate it an 8 but I am up to rewatch it more often than many other movies I'd rate at 9. It does what it does really well.

The movie that comes to mind that is most alike to this is "Payback" with Mel Gibson "Payback" is cooler and grittier but "Punisher is more fun and with several humourous scenes that always maintain the overall seriousness of the subject matter without ever getting too dark. If you like that film you should enjoy this one and vice-versa.
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2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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8
bfoore90Jun 1, 2019
I've seen both the extended cut and theatrical cuts of this film and in terms of being a feature length film, this was and still is a fine movie about revenge, justice and punishment.

Thomas Jane plays Frank Castle/The Punisher perfectly,
I've seen both the extended cut and theatrical cuts of this film and in terms of being a feature length film, this was and still is a fine movie about revenge, justice and punishment.

Thomas Jane plays Frank Castle/The Punisher perfectly, showing great depth and ability to a stoic character. John Travolta also plays a fine villian in Howard Saint but it doesnt help the character is thinly written to be something more than a cardboard cutout mob boss.

As I said, even in 2019 and with Netflix's adaptation being (somewhat) successful this is still a very good movie. It has obvious flaws, especially in the second half but "The Punisher" is still a fine film about revenge, punishment, justice and letting go.
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2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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7
Onlyclassicvg1Dec 22, 2020
Marvel's unstoppable vigilante hits the big screen. After losing his family in to mob violence, undercover FBI agent and former Marine Frank Castle (Jane) decides to dedicate himself fully to the eradication of crime from America.
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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2
CRoger013Jan 1, 2021
Man! This movie sucks! It’s so bloody and horrible! This movie is so horrible because it’s very bloody!
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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7
imthenoobFeb 17, 2012
Thomas Jane was a good lead and a great pick as the Punisher. The rest of the cast was solid as well but Trevolta was very disapointing, Didnt live up to his name imo. There was a lot of good action scenes as well. However the dialougeThomas Jane was a good lead and a great pick as the Punisher. The rest of the cast was solid as well but Trevolta was very disapointing, Didnt live up to his name imo. There was a lot of good action scenes as well. However the dialouge between characters was incredibly poor at times and rather disapointing. Still, I have watched it numerous times and I still enjoy it. Expand
3 of 10 users found this helpful37
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7
Compi24Nov 28, 2012
I actually thoroughly enjoyed this sensibly written film with its complex lead character.
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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7
himynameisartMay 7, 2014
This movie wasn't as bad as people say it was, as a fan of The Punisher i thought it was decent, it had some good moments, although it didn't follow the comics much. Also Thomas Jane was fantastic as Frank Castle/The Punisher he nailed it. IfThis movie wasn't as bad as people say it was, as a fan of The Punisher i thought it was decent, it had some good moments, although it didn't follow the comics much. Also Thomas Jane was fantastic as Frank Castle/The Punisher he nailed it. If you haven't watched it give it a shot you might enjoy it. Expand
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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7
Larry223Aug 14, 2014
Esta es una película de origen, he visto a mucha gente odiándolas... Watchmen, XmenOrigenesWolverine, Hancock etc. Esta película muestra el origen del castigador. Aquí nos muestran como le destrozan la vida a Frank Castle y como la justiciaEsta es una película de origen, he visto a mucha gente odiándolas... Watchmen, XmenOrigenesWolverine, Hancock etc. Esta película muestra el origen del castigador. Aquí nos muestran como le destrozan la vida a Frank Castle y como la justicia no logra hacer nada, el toma la justicia por sus propias manos. Mírala sabiendo que es para conocer al personaje no para verlo en una súper aventura o eso. Le doy un 07/10 es una película mas que decente. Expand
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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6
Tss5078Feb 22, 2013
The problem with this movie was that it couldn't make up its mind about what it wanted to be, and this ultimately led to its downfall at the box office. The beginning of the film is really intense and it seems like it's going to be one ofThe problem with this movie was that it couldn't make up its mind about what it wanted to be, and this ultimately led to its downfall at the box office. The beginning of the film is really intense and it seems like it's going to be one of those, 'it could happen in real life' comic book adaptations. After the first half hour though, that's gone and replaced with the typical unrealistic bull This film also couldn't decide whether or not it wanted to be PG-13 or R. Ultimately it got the R rating and has the violence that goes with it, but clearly the producers were hoping for the PG-13, and have some really childish parts to it. I hate when that happens, make up your mind! If you're going to be violent and crazy, then go all out, and if not, tone it down and get the PG-13. When they mix both styles, they don't appeal to a larger audience, they appeal to a smaller one. The cast did an adequate job, the story was alright, and the action was pretty cool, but there really isn't much here. Expand
4 of 15 users found this helpful411
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9
Stagger74Jul 13, 2021
》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》¡
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2 of 8 users found this helpful26
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5
tethysdustOct 9, 2016
This simple revenge story is an odd mixture of camp and seriousness. The violence is pretty intense, but the most impressive bit was the explosions (of which there are many).
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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5
TheguyoffireMar 13, 2013
This movie was meh. I liked the book alot better.
3 of 15 users found this helpful312
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6
HotelCentralMay 15, 2019
Punisher
So this review will be a no-holds-barred spoilerfest because discerning film buffs may have something better to do with their time.
1) The first half hour is devoted to Frank Castle the Cop and Frank Castle the Family Man. I was
Punisher
So this review will be a no-holds-barred spoilerfest because discerning film buffs may have something better to do with their time.

1) The first half hour is devoted to Frank Castle the Cop and Frank Castle the Family Man. I was expecting to see The Punisher. Maybe I was expecting Blade. I liked Blade because it started “in media res” with no time wasted and evolved from there. Everything in the first half hour of Punisher could have been handled in flashbacks lasting a sum total of 5 minutes. Yeah, it would’ve cut the “emotional content” available to the audience, but, seriously, who watches a film like this for the emotional content? Fifteen year old girls who think Punisher dude is dishy?

2) Frank Castle the Family Man ends with a platoon of bad guys traveling to Puerto Rico to slaughter Frank’s entire extended family. They approach under full daylight and don’t even bother wearing masks. There are apparently no people in Puerto Rico except Frank’s kin and the assassins and the assassins shoot up everybody. Kids and grandmas tumble like toy dolls. Things explode into roaring fireballs. Frank is shot at point blank range by one of these “professional killers” and is then blown into the Caribbean by an explosion and of course he survives. I guess the salt water sterilizes the wounds. Some guy in a rowboat picks him up later. Maybe some guy from the comic’s origin story. I didn’t bother looking it up.

In the middle of the slaughter Frank looks out a window and sees his mom being gunned down. His reaction is, “Mom?” Like he either can’t believe his eyes or I don’t know what. And it’s not like this is Frank’s first rodeo. The movie starts with a fair bit of shooting. You’d think the “veteran cop” would instantly risk life and limb to save Mom, or at least spout off with a few raging WTFs!!!!!

3) Frank goes on to wreak havoc and exact vengeance. This part is fairly interesting if you like to see bad guys get what they deserve and you’re not too particular about due process under US law. Apparently the actual police are all on vacation as they never put in an appearance.

4) John Pinette, the late standup comedian, does a nice job in a minor supporting role. There are several people in minor supporting roles. For the most part, these roles only distract from the whole point of the film (vengeance) and pad out the runtime.

5) The world’s greatest “hitman” is called in to kill Frank. He starts off by carrying a guitar into a diner and singing Frank a song. I guess this is supposed to imply that the guy is such a great hitman that he can break all the rules and still take down his target. Naturally, the hitman ends up dead. Frank takes his car.

6) “The Russian” is called in to kill Frank. I guess he's #2 in the world. You know the type. He’s like seven feet tall and you can smash him in the head with a crowbar and he doesn’t even bleed. But only in comics and movies. It turns out he’s vulnerable to burning hot grease in the face. He dies too.

7) There’s a girl in the film. She’s a bad judge of men. Frank saves her from getting murdered. That takes about one minute of screen time. Frank eats the girl’s cooking but keeps his emotional content to himself.

8) Overall, Punisher isn’t such a bad film. It’s just not any better than the typical action-adventure flick being churned out by the hundreds every year. There’s nothing really clever about the story. It ends pretty much where you’d expect.

If you're a real fan of the comic, you'll probably like it. If not, maybe you won't. There are plenty of options that would be far worse.
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1 of 6 users found this helpful15
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5
IRONK1979Jan 30, 2018
It has moments of greatness but overall it drags and doesn't get to what you want fast enough. Thomas Jane is great in the role though.
1 of 6 users found this helpful15
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5
TyranianJul 3, 2019
Jane is decent and the tone is right but this film has some terrible pacing, plotting and writing.
1 of 7 users found this helpful16
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3
Cinemassacre94Mar 20, 2016
The last real icon created by Marvel Comics, The Punisher began life as a bad-guy variation on Charles Bronson's Death Wish vigilante in the '70s, turned into a grotesque version of a law-and-order hero in the Reagan '80s (even spawning aThe last real icon created by Marvel Comics, The Punisher began life as a bad-guy variation on Charles Bronson's Death Wish vigilante in the '70s, turned into a grotesque version of a law-and-order hero in the Reagan '80s (even spawning a direct-to-video Dolph Lundgren vehicle), and withered away in the Clinton years. More recently, he experienced a black-comedy revival in the hands of writer Garth Ennis, but the latest film version doesn't have much to do with that. A return to the character's righteous, murdering '80s ways, 2004's The Punisher seems all too of-the-moment now that "an eye for an eye" has become national policy.

Shortly after The Punisher opens, thugs hired by overacting Tampa gang lord John Travolta turn a family reunion into the bloodiest social gathering since Guns N' Roses' "November Rain" video. Robbing recently retired undercover FBI officer Frank Castle (Thomas Jane) of his wife, child, father (an apparently eager-to-work Roy Scheider), and a handful of aunts, uncles, and cousins, Travolta's otherwise-thorough henchmen only stop short of making sure that the man himself has died. When he resurfaces, Jane returns to Tampa to exact revenge.

And that's the movie, a revenge scenario so simple it could have been created on a playground. In the right hands, it might have worked: John Woo could have turned it into a bullet-drenched melodrama, some kind of crazy variation on In The Bedroom. With Kill Bill, Quentin Tarantino turns a similar scenario into a meditation on honor, justice, and a century of different styles of cinematic violence. Sadly, The Punisher is about little more than bullets hitting bone, and how good it might feel to be on the right end of a gun.

Armageddon screenwriter turned first-time director Jonathan Hensleigh displays a lot of enthusiasm for stormy lighting, as well as a fashion photographer's skill at putting his actors in memorable poses, but the whole show is watching Jane mow down the bad guys, taking the occasional breather to hang out with new friends Rebecca Romijn-Stamos and her misfit hangers-on, and to drown his sorrows in a bottle of Wild Turkey. (The brand is featured so prominently that it must be product placement, but is "the drink of choice for bloodthirsty gunmen" a desirable tagline?) There's not even a hint of suspense over the outcome; Jane is portrayed as such an unstoppable machine that only professional wrestler Kevin Nash is made to look like a formidable adversary.

The Punisher has one inspired sequence. Wearing a teardrop tattoo, a Memphis hit man serenades Jane before attempting to kill him. The scene lasts about a minute. The movie goes on much longer.
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1 of 7 users found this helpful16
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0
mailpollFeb 17, 2022
If you didn't see every single mind-numbing piece of "action" coming from a mile away, then you are some kind of retarded half-man, half-monkey hybrid
1 of 7 users found this helpful16
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4
SuperheroMoviesAug 7, 2013
The film had potential to be a great dark vigilante revenge thriller, but it's shot down by uneven pacing and a story that displays more explosion than it does emotion.
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5
zachattackJan 19, 2012
This was an average film, at best. The Punisher has its share of bad acting and poor dialogue. I thought Jon Travolta, the movies biggest star, was its biggest detraction. Jon managed to turn the cheese up to 10 in his role as a flamboyantThis was an average film, at best. The Punisher has its share of bad acting and poor dialogue. I thought Jon Travolta, the movies biggest star, was its biggest detraction. Jon managed to turn the cheese up to 10 in his role as a flamboyant mob boss. I expected more from Jon, seeing how well he played the villain in the movie 'Face/Off' years ago, but alas, the magic didn't carry over to this film. I didn't like the films attempt to be 'cheerful' and 'light-hearted,' either. The Punisher finds himself preparing for vengeance while living in an apartment building. Enter 3 oddball neighbors who constantly (and unsuccessfully) try to befriend Frank Castle. I know its an attempt to 'humanize' Frank Castle and make the audience more empathetic towards him, but really, this isn't an episode of Seinfeld. The Punisher is supposed to be about revenge, not comedy. There were some positive things to note in the Punisher, however. The action scenes were good. There was an 80's feel to them, not unlike Arnold Schwarzenger and Steven Seagal movies of yesteryear. There was one fight scene with a WWE wrestler (Kevin Nash) that was particularly good. I also enjoyed a scene where an assassin showed up to a diner and played a song on an acoustic guitar for The Punisher. Overall, The Punisher is a mixed bag. It has some cheesy dialogue and acting, but also has some decent action sequences. I give it a 5/10. Expand
1 of 9 users found this helpful18
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3
MortimerJan 30, 2014
Frank Castle / The Punisher ( Thomas Jane ), a respected FBI agent . He caught the son of Howard Saint ( John Travolta ) on the sale of illegal weapons. Bobby Saint ( James Karpinello ) dies and his father orders his best thugs to kill theFrank Castle / The Punisher ( Thomas Jane ), a respected FBI agent . He caught the son of Howard Saint ( John Travolta ) on the sale of illegal weapons. Bobby Saint ( James Karpinello ) dies and his father orders his best thugs to kill the entire family Punisher . They find his family on a holiday family reunion in Puerto Rico . Killed his family , his wife and son are killed too . Avenging allegedly killed himself .

Punisher somehow survives and swears revenge on Howard Saint killing his entire family and all his friends . Thereafter, the film starts slowly and boring to talk about becoming a hero avenger. Screenwriter Jonathan Hensleigh sometimes presents jokes , but they are all associated with the bloody felting.

The movie features a lot of scenes that startled wore . Graphically and visually the film can not find fault . But in the film as there is little action scenes for the film about the Punisher . He lives with Dave ( Ben Foster ) , Joan ( Rebecca Romijn ) and Bampo ( John Pinette )

Thomas Jane perfectly fit into the role of the vengeful punisher . But his character I do not empathize because he gets revenge as Howard Saint . Saint From Howard turned out not very charismatic villain . His villain absorbed all cliche villains. Joan could not be a love interest Punisher because he has a wife . In the film, there is nothing unusual . This is a standard and nothing remarkable film.

Howard and punisher fighting as a result of Howard Saint dies and revenge made. Frank Castle goes and calls himself the avenger of crime and hunter Punisher .

Bottom line: The Punisher is a boring film adaptation of becoming a superhero .
Rating : C +
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7
death12123May 27, 2019
Critics won't like it but real Marvel comic fans will. Not the most impressive but an awesome movie about revenge. Darker and more brutal. Sure it's not as good as the comic but it'll never be the greatest it deserved to be. It had goodCritics won't like it but real Marvel comic fans will. Not the most impressive but an awesome movie about revenge. Darker and more brutal. Sure it's not as good as the comic but it'll never be the greatest it deserved to be. It had good action. Not the most original story but overall still enjoyable.
As others say Cheesy Lines and Violent. Like a comic.

What this movie does best is capture the comic book feel however it's not perfected. It could've been better. It's still worth a good watch.
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6
CLSJun 13, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I've read the Punisher comics that were the inspiration for some of the scenes such as the interrogation and the apartment setting where Frank Castle and his 3 neighbors live. Although Thomas Jane acted well in this movie, I felt that his look for this movie should have been as intimidating as Ray Stevenson's version, which in this reviewer's opinion had the "look" of the Punisher as he appears in the 2000's-era comics. Unfortuntely, most of the villains aren't memorable and I wished the movie used a recurring villain from the comics for the Punisher to fight against instead. The revenge flick is nothing new - yet we are talking about someone who punishes criminals on a daily-basis and that's what the Punisher is good at. Hopefully in the future, someone would actually write a decent story about this Punisher character. Expand
1 of 11 users found this helpful110
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0
JonnieZJul 16, 2012
A boring movie with no positives. I remember seeing this in the cinema and hating it. Years later after reading the Garth Ennis comics I tried watching it again, on the advice of the friend that leant me the comics. Less then half way throughA boring movie with no positives. I remember seeing this in the cinema and hating it. Years later after reading the Garth Ennis comics I tried watching it again, on the advice of the friend that leant me the comics. Less then half way through I had to turn it off. If anything it's worse after reading the books. Hammy dialogue, a pointless sequence wherein an armoured car is built then destroyed, and an overly elaborate plan that gets thrown away in favour of just shooting everyone. Awful not worth watching at all. Expand
1 of 38 users found this helpful137
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1
DanSep 7, 2006
If you didn't see every single mind-numbing piece of "action" coming from a mile away, then you are some kind of retarded half-man, half-monkey hybrid. There is not one second of this movie that is not a cliche, there is not one line If you didn't see every single mind-numbing piece of "action" coming from a mile away, then you are some kind of retarded half-man, half-monkey hybrid. There is not one second of this movie that is not a cliche, there is not one line that hasn't been done a thousand times before - and better. The hero's final plan is to just walk into the gunfire and hope the script doesn't care if he gets shot. Naturally, it works. Insultingly stupid. Everyone who gave this more than 6 is a waste of skin who should be harvested for their transplant organ value. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
9
Kai82Aug 27, 2021
Actually this is a really good movie and I don't know what the critics were complaining about. It won me over with its story, atmosphere, characters, interactions and their development. It is based of the Marvel comic character “The Punisher”Actually this is a really good movie and I don't know what the critics were complaining about. It won me over with its story, atmosphere, characters, interactions and their development. It is based of the Marvel comic character “The Punisher” aka Frank Castle who is an antihero that after a serious loss is on a mission to wipe out all criminals. He believes in no second chances, dead is the only solution and will not hesitate. I admit that I mostly knew him from Spiderman as side character as he was not that popular in my country. However I heard the praise about this movie and watched it. It was a positive surprise and if I looked at the Meatacritic reviews from other users I say this is the common reaction. It is done as set up / introduction movie of the (anti) hero. The story starts with undercover FBI agent Frank Castle’s last mission before retirement. It is a hard job and his family is in constant worry or even fear that he will perish. He infiltrated an arms deal but this goes horrible wrong and ends with casualties. This puts him on the target list and starts the events of the movie. I am vague here with the set up to avoid spoilers. The story works well. It is engaging, immersive matured and on top of that you clearly understand the characters motivations. The last point is also improved by the actors. Their emotions, motivations and development are well interwoven and strengthen the movie. Also the atmosphere is well done. It is a cruel world and justice is just a concept or more of a vague idea. It is eat or be eaten. Lets continue with the characters. Thomas Jane as Frank Castle works well. He could deliver the full range of the character and is excellent. John Travolta as Howard Saint is maybe even better and a highlight. Both together work excellent. For the supporting roles we get a great Laura Harring as Livia Saint and a great Will Patton as Quentin Glass. These two were remarkable good. The rest of the cast delivers a solid good performance. No missteps in that regard. The fights and action scenes work well too and enhance the experience. The impact can be felt and it never failed to deliver a satisfying experience. Visually the movie has a dark atmosphere. There are not many special effects and it does not need them. The stunts and practical effects however are well done. Overall this was a positive surprise and I see it as hidden gem in the super hero genre (or anti hero genre?). Worth watching and I recommend it. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
smiyamotApr 23, 2016
A great action, shoot 'em up, fighting movie, not a real acting or great story kinda flick. If you're in for some mindless movie, like on a transoceanic flight, where you don't have to pay too much attention, this is for you.
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7
Detento4587Nov 27, 2018
Note:6.9
A movie with a good script, a medium direction, a villain until good, action scenes are medium to good, excelled my expectations. But the biggest problem in the movie is: The Punisher. The Punisher it's very charismatic in the movie
Note:6.9
A movie with a good script, a medium direction, a villain until good, action scenes are medium to good, excelled my expectations. But the biggest problem in the movie is: The Punisher. The Punisher it's very charismatic in the movie and little brutal.
But the biggest problem in the movie is: The Punisher.
The Punisher is very charismatic in the film and little brutal, they have hit a good part of the scenario from punisher comics EXCEPT the punisher.
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0
noob328Oct 25, 2021
If you can get past the goofy writing, there's lots of noisy action in The Punisher, but little of it is particularly exhilarating. In fact, it's more of an endurance test. If you can sit through it, you should consider yourself duly punished
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7
WakoJ.Apr 22, 2004
OK, so this ain't no "X-Men" or "Spiderman," BUT...it acquits itself nicely from the more than unpardonable sin committed by the likes of "Hulk" and "Daredevil" -- it entertains. Although his performance is hit and miss (more hit than OK, so this ain't no "X-Men" or "Spiderman," BUT...it acquits itself nicely from the more than unpardonable sin committed by the likes of "Hulk" and "Daredevil" -- it entertains. Although his performance is hit and miss (more hit than miss), Thomas Jane looks like he was born for this role. A better actor and director might have done more with the, again, hit-and-miss screenplay, but by all accounts, not an insufferable afternoon at the movies. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
JamesA.Sep 26, 2005
The only good thing about this movie is Thomas Jane's unbelieveably beautiful body. If he had taken off his pants I would have given it a 10.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
AlisaH.Jul 3, 2007
This movie wasn't as horrible as critics made it out to be. It was full of action, which was good, Thomas Jane was a great fit, which was also good (even though he's not coming back for the sequel), I really liked this movie simply This movie wasn't as horrible as critics made it out to be. It was full of action, which was good, Thomas Jane was a great fit, which was also good (even though he's not coming back for the sequel), I really liked this movie simply because I saw it as a "Marvelized" Batman. Tragedy, by seeing his loved ones shot down in front of him and then taking action not particularly for vengeance but as the Punisher says, "True Justice". I say if you like Batman, then you may like this movie and of course if you're a fan of the Punisher you'll like this movie. Enough said. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
IainF.Oct 5, 2008
Okay, this film ISN'T original, we get that. But nowadays, most films aren't! Yes it's clichéd, yes it's repetitive, yes it's predictable, but to be honest, I don't care. The action and violence is Okay, this film ISN'T original, we get that. But nowadays, most films aren't! Yes it's clichéd, yes it's repetitive, yes it's predictable, but to be honest, I don't care. The action and violence is top-notch, and I don't know, something about vigilantes on quests for revenge and vengeance really gets me FRIGGIN' STEAMING. Films like The Brave One, Death Sentence, heck, even Batman to a certain degree. Thomas Jane was brilliant, John Travolta was good and believable and if you give this film a 0? Shame on you. That is harsher than harsh. The cinematography is shit I will admit, and alot of the bad guys, dialogue, the plot is clichéd but once again, I'm resorting to the famous WHO CARES? The plot isn't smart, the characters aren't smart, it's not realistic, it doesn't go into detail on the character of The Punisher enough and there are ALOT of inconsistensies with the film and the comic book, but at the end of the day, it made me laugh, and most importantly, it entertained me. Bravo douche bags for rating it so low, this film is worth watching. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DaveApr 18, 2004
Ok, when people watch movies like The Punisher, they need to remember, don't expect anything. I knew this movie would suck. But I knew it would suck so bad that it would be awesome, which it is. I like this movie a lot, because it is Ok, when people watch movies like The Punisher, they need to remember, don't expect anything. I knew this movie would suck. But I knew it would suck so bad that it would be awesome, which it is. I like this movie a lot, because it is like an actual comic book. Cheesey lines and super violent. There's nothing wrong with that. Sometimes you need some of that. I mean, I like good movies as much as the next guy, but sometimes you just want to watch things explode and people die. That's all this movie was, and that's all it needed to be. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
PatC.Jan 31, 2007
A typical tale of vigilantee revenge that works because of the commitment of the actors to their roles.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
edlNov 13, 2005
The problem with this movie was the marketing... After seeing the trailers I had no interest in watching this movie... Now, a year and a half after it came out, I finally watched it and must say that it is a good movie. The marketing team The problem with this movie was the marketing... After seeing the trailers I had no interest in watching this movie... Now, a year and a half after it came out, I finally watched it and must say that it is a good movie. The marketing team should be fired because the trailers turned me and probably the rest of the world away from this pretty good comic book movie. It's not as good as Spiderman, Batman Begins, or X-Men, but it's better than Hulk, Daredevil, Fantanstic Four, and Electra! Definitely worth watching and I am now looking forward to the sequel. Hopefully they continue with the same director style. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AbolishAug 17, 2021
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9
Bogyophobic34Sep 11, 2021
*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:
☆°•☆°•☆°•☆°•☆°•☆°•☆°•☆°•☆°•☆°•☆°•☆
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10
alexiruizOct 28, 2021
I love this movie, the action scenes are great. The movie has some very comic book inspired scenes.
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8
MalletApr 23, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Marvel's unstoppable vigilante hits the big screen. After losing his family in to mob violence, undercover FBI agent and former Marine Frank Castle (Jane) decides to dedicate himself fully to the eradication of crime from America. Expand
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