Being a big Punisher fan who was disappointed with the movie adaptation, I recently read the script review for the up-and-coming sequel, titled "The Punisher: War Zone", which you can read over at http://www.latinoreview.com. Most, if not all, Punisher fans were disappointed with the first movie because it lacked the brutal, bloody violence which the comics are known for. But I'm pleased to say the sequel delivers where the first one failed.

The Punisher: War Zone was written by Jonathan Hensleigh, who also wrote and directed the first film. At first I was sceptical about Hensleigh returning after his lackluster attempt at the first one, but then I remembered it was a miracle that he even completed the first film, being that it was his directorial debut, and being that the conditions he worked under were so tight. The budget was unexpectedly slashed at the last minute resulting in scenes being cut from the script, then he had to shoot the film in fifty days, which would be difficult for any director on their first film.

But Hensleigh seems to have let loose with "War Zone". It is crammed with action, and apparently has some really innovative kills in it, which no Punisher film could be without. So it looks like the studios are going to throw a lot more money at this one.

Although the script review isn't very long or in-depth, it does answer a lot of the fan's questions: The main villain will be Jigsaw, the film will be shot almost entirely in New York instead of the idyllic Tampa, Florida, and there will be tons of kick-a** action sequences.

I'm definately happy with the way things are going with the sequel. Even if you aren't a comic book fan but love action movies, this film should please you. Who doesn't want to see a guy rip through squads of mafiosos with machine guns and cleymore mines?! This guy could be the next Rambo or Die Hard if it is done right, which, judging from the script review, looks like it will be.    

    

"Frank takes on Jigsaw and his seemingly unkillable bodyguard in a closed Wal-Mart. It’s a fight that takes advantage of everything you could find in a super-store, from bows and arrows to barbeque utensils!"

Nice. I'm looking forward to this one.

-Zavier

There's some inspiration for your Divine Intervention adaptation! LOL! Thomas Jane, who plays The Punisher, is already in the gym training again for the sequel. So things must be moving pretty fast. They're planning to start shooting in November for a summer 2006 release, which is fast enough for me!

I hope they keep the sub-plot about the crazy priest in the film, "The Holy", as he's known in the "Welcome Back, Frank" series. I'd love to see that on film! That'll put a lot of people off going to confession! I also hope the Battle Van makes some kind of appearance, maybe in a car chase because the one in the first film wasn't that good.  

Did it mention who is writing the script?

-Zavier

Well the script that was reviewed was by Jonathan Hensleigh, but I don't know if they'll bring in another writer for re-writes.

Yeah, the first one was a mess... Pretty badly directed too, Hensleigh seemed to perfect sucking damn near all of the life and excitement out of an action scene. Still, maybe the budget cuts explain all that?

All I can hope is that he shows a little more visual flair in this one. The setting up of the character is done now, so maybe he can have a little more fun this time.

I think Hensleigh tried too hard to emulate the look of the "Welcome Back, Frank" series, rather than making it look gritty and down-to-earth, which is what he should have done. Hensleigh says he's a big fan of Sergeo Leone and the old Clint Eastwood films, which would probably explain the "draw" scene in the first film and is probably why he decided to open the sequel in Texas. Maybe if he has more leeway in this one he can put those old-style techniques to better use.  

Despite the first movie by Hensleigh being slightly average, I am looking forward to this sequel. The Punisher is cool, man.

True. Very true. With The Punisher, there is so much to work with, both character-wise and story-wise. It can appeal to a lot of different audiences; fans of the comic book, action fans, gangster fans, fans of revenge pictures. I still think old Frank Castle still has a lot to give to the big screen, and can make his mark in a big way. There is even talk of a Punisher TV series in the works! I'd love to see that!
 

The Punisher TV show would be so wicked. But I don't think TV can justify The Punisher's violence. It has to be a rated R movie.

Maybe if they just put it on really, really late! LOL! I agree that such a TV series would be difficult to get aired because of the extreme violence, but if it was done right then it would definately generate good ratings for whichever network does air it. What would you prefer it to be: Animation or live action?

As long as it's chock-full of violence, it'll be worth going to the theater.

Although the first one was hardly fantastic, the fight with the Russian was brilliant and I did enjoy that knife through the chin.

I always thought people loved The Punisher because it wasn't a baby pg-13 film like Spiderman and X Men but beyond that everyone I've seen have loved the film. Although when they compare it to Elektra which I thought was the worst adaptation in history I guess maybe not.

I thought Punisher was very well done and for those who don't much care for reading comics and seeing excessive violence it was a good film experience. It's like if they made a Barbie film and her car wasn't pink, who cares? THE FANS because they have no lives yippee.

I read a lot of comic books, but I never really got into "The Punisher."  The only reason it ever stood out was because when I was alot younger, my father would never let me read them.  Always said they where too violent.  So when I finally got around to them, I guess I was a bit let down after the "hype" I recieved.  As for the film, I was no big fan myself.  I thought Jane did an excellent job and I really liked the characters of his neighbors and would hope they return in the sequel.  Unfortunately, I thought Travolta as the villian was absolutely horrendous.  His death was incredibly weak and was a little too hokey for my tastes (the flaming skull?  c'mon!).  On a whole, if I where reviewing the movie, I would say **1/2 out of ****.  It's not terribly bad, but it's not terribly good either.  I liked the characters alot, but the action sequences where just too bizzarre and too comical for my liking (except for the fight with The Russian; that was a stroke on genius on Hensleigh's part).

That said, I think alot could be done with a Punisher film, and, from what I've read in the previous posts, the ideas presented sound quite good (a fight in a Wal-Mart?  pretty cool).  Also, as others have already stated, I hope that Hensleigh learned his lessons and I hope the studio is a little more willing to give the sequel the proper budget and time.  Maybe it can be really, really good.

Also, on a whole other note, has anyone played The Punisher video-game?  I just bought it the other day for under twenty bucks and it is quite fantastic.  Violent as hell too.

Quoted from Acroname What would you prefer it to be: Animation or live action?

Live action. The Punisher as a cartoon doesn't seem right, man...