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The Punisher
(1989 Film)
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The Punisher
(1989): This is the first live-action "Punisher" film
starring Dolph Lundgren. A later film starring Thomas Jane as the
Punisher was released in 2004. Based on the sensational vigilante
character from the comics, the Punisher dazzles in his first movie
appearance. Granted, this movie operated on a lower-budget than
most action movies and wasn't a mainstream movie, but you can't even
tell that when you're watching it. The intense action scenes and
the physical work of Dolph Lundgren itself more than delivers!
The Punisher is one of those halfway-superheroes. He has a costume of sorts and an alias, but his identity is not all that secret nor does he have super powers. He does, however, have an exceptional talent for killing, so maybe that counts for a super ability. Still, he's one of those heroes that's not a really upstanding good guy, he's just better than the REALLY bad guys. Basically, I include the character's movies on this website because he is primarily known for being a comic book character. Plus he gets himself into far-out, exotic battles typical of superheroes.
Dolph Lundgren is probably my top-favorite action movie actor (if I had to choose, although the decision is difficult). He totally captures the whole "walking dead man" attitude of the comic book character. The Punisher is a good guy who does a lot of bad things to get the REALLY bad guys. He's a bit mental because he has nothing to live for besides vengeance. We're already assuming that he's killed the ones responsible for the deaths of his wife and children. As the story goes, the Punisher was already at this for five years. However, he hasn't reached his "limit to revenge" and keeps on taking out organized crime until it's completely gone. He gets into a bit of a tricky spot, though, when the Japanese mafia, known as the Yakuza, comes into New York to take over organized crime from the Italians.
To top it all off, Frank Castle's aka the Punisher's ex-partner (played by Louis Gossett, Jr.) and his partner's new partner are hot on his trail and closing in on him. They are the only two cops that believe Frank Castle is the Punisher and didn't die with his family. Between the mafia, the Yakuza, and the cops, the Punisher has all he can handle. Needless to say, it's an exceptionally brutal bloodbath.
This movie still has a strong cult following and is noted for its incredible action sequences. There were over 90 individual killings, not including those that died in explosions. Very few movies have that high of kill rate, but its highly suitable for the Punisher because he's a violent character. There are many differences between this movie and the 2004 film. Here is a short list.
The Punisher is one of those halfway-superheroes. He has a costume of sorts and an alias, but his identity is not all that secret nor does he have super powers. He does, however, have an exceptional talent for killing, so maybe that counts for a super ability. Still, he's one of those heroes that's not a really upstanding good guy, he's just better than the REALLY bad guys. Basically, I include the character's movies on this website because he is primarily known for being a comic book character. Plus he gets himself into far-out, exotic battles typical of superheroes.
Dolph Lundgren is probably my top-favorite action movie actor (if I had to choose, although the decision is difficult). He totally captures the whole "walking dead man" attitude of the comic book character. The Punisher is a good guy who does a lot of bad things to get the REALLY bad guys. He's a bit mental because he has nothing to live for besides vengeance. We're already assuming that he's killed the ones responsible for the deaths of his wife and children. As the story goes, the Punisher was already at this for five years. However, he hasn't reached his "limit to revenge" and keeps on taking out organized crime until it's completely gone. He gets into a bit of a tricky spot, though, when the Japanese mafia, known as the Yakuza, comes into New York to take over organized crime from the Italians.
To top it all off, Frank Castle's aka the Punisher's ex-partner (played by Louis Gossett, Jr.) and his partner's new partner are hot on his trail and closing in on him. They are the only two cops that believe Frank Castle is the Punisher and didn't die with his family. Between the mafia, the Yakuza, and the cops, the Punisher has all he can handle. Needless to say, it's an exceptionally brutal bloodbath.
This movie still has a strong cult following and is noted for its incredible action sequences. There were over 90 individual killings, not including those that died in explosions. Very few movies have that high of kill rate, but its highly suitable for the Punisher because he's a violent character. There are many differences between this movie and the 2004 film. Here is a short list.
* The Punisher always
has black hair. In the 2004 film, it was blonde before Frank
Castle dyed it black.
* A lot more killings and definitely a lot more hand-to-hand combat. Dolph is quite physical, so that aspect of the movie's action was perfect for him.
* He rides a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. In the 2004 movie he has a car.
* The filming is mostly dark.
* You don't really know the reasons behind his family's deaths. Through flashbacks we see they were in a car that exploded...a mob hit. We are also to assume that the Punisher already killed those responsible.
* He's been at this for five years. The later film shows him starting out.
* No one knows his true identity, although two cops suspect him. In the 2004 film, he makes no secret that he is Frank Castle, coming back for revenge.
* A lot more killings and definitely a lot more hand-to-hand combat. Dolph is quite physical, so that aspect of the movie's action was perfect for him.
* He rides a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. In the 2004 movie he has a car.
* The filming is mostly dark.
* You don't really know the reasons behind his family's deaths. Through flashbacks we see they were in a car that exploded...a mob hit. We are also to assume that the Punisher already killed those responsible.
* He's been at this for five years. The later film shows him starting out.
* No one knows his true identity, although two cops suspect him. In the 2004 film, he makes no secret that he is Frank Castle, coming back for revenge.
I
really enjoy this movie. It's solid action and my favorite
between the two Punisher films. The whole attitude is a lot
tougher, and it's great to see this big, musclebound guy beat the crap
out of a bunch of mean-spirited shrimps. For years I waited for a
sequel to this film, and I think it would've been successful.
However, with the 2004 Punisher movie being made, it will never
happen.