The Punisher (2004) – Review

Get locked and loaded with Frank Castle (Jane) in the 2004 adaptation of The Punisher. Opening in Tampa; Florida, a couple of gangsters, Bobby Saint and Micky Duka (Jemison), pull up to a docked cargo ship. An undercover FBI Agent, Frank Castle, introduces himself as Otto Krieg, and checks over the money brought in by the thugs. He then gives a signal. The force swarms in, and Bobby is killed in the ensuing chaos.

After the mostly successful op, Frank quits the Florida office with plans to hit a London desk after. But first, he heads with his family to Puerto Rico for a reunion and celebration. London should be safer for Castle, assuming he can make it there in one piece… Unfortunately for everyone, Bobby was Howard Saint’s (Travolta) son, who is a big-time businessman and gangster. This sets his armed forces on a collision course with the men who got his son killed, including Frank Castle, who is blamed.

After Frank loses everything he holds dear, how will the crime world react to this man becoming a one-man wrecking ball of death and destruction? Does even the powerful Howard Saint stand a chance?

I have always thought this adaptation was decent despite some changes in location and origin compared to the comics. Overall, the story works pretty well, and it takes on plenty of elements from Garth Ennis’ long time as a writer on the monthly Marvel series, especially his first 12 issue run from 2000. His work is definitely some of the better Punisher comics published.

The cast is good and the acting is sound, while there are some nice plot beats and actions scenes included. Overall, this won’t blow any viewer away, but it remains a decent action flick and Punisher adaptation. Reviewers didn’t love this one, but it’s worth a watch for fans of the character.

“God’s gonna sit this one out.”

There are additional cuts of this film, which I think are up to 15 minutes or so longer, and I am not sure the overall differences other than containing additional subplots.