Still hated to this day by many movie and comic book fans alike, the 1989 adaptation of Marvel Comics The Punisher is still the best filmed version so far. Dolph Lundgren might be one of the worst actors ever, but he certainly looks the part and a screenplay that gives him minimal dialogue and a high bodycount only play to its leading mans strengths.
For a bullshit action film, this takes itself pretty seriously, with little in the way of broad humour to lighten the mood save for Barry Otto's thespian/tramp/ informer/sidekick. It's got a short and sweet 80 minute run time, a busy script that has antihero battling both the Mafia and the Yakuza while being pursued by Lou Gossett Jnr's ex-cop partner, a spartan, almost monochrome look, a distinctive orchestral score and its Australian filmed exteriors give the film a unique visual signature. Directed by ex-editor Mark Goldblatt, there's a cool experimental attitude to the cutting of the film which makes it stand apart from the other action films of the time put it's got a larger than life tone that embraces its over-the-top comic book roots.
Far better than the Tom Jane reboot (utter shit) or the loose sequel starring Ray Stevenson (much improved), 1989's The Punisher is the super-violent superhero bullshit action movie of choice.
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