View Full Version : Punisher 2: Ineptitude
bixby
08-14-2008, 08:28 PM
http://www.apple.com/trailers/lions_gate/punisherwarzone/
^The first couple trailers...and now it gets really crappy.
Punisher: War Zone may be rated PG-13 (http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/08/14/lionsgate-gunning-for-a-pg-13-punisher-war-zone/)
Slowly but surely, Punisher: War Zone is being lowered into a grave of WTF by Lionsgate. First, Lexi Alexander, director of the gorey Marvel actioner, was seemingly kicked off (http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/07/26/director-lexi-alexander-booted-off-punisher-war-zone-by-lionsgate/) the project. We still don’t know what happened exactly. Her candid, rah-rah website (http://lexialexander.com/archive_7_30_08.html) was suddenly wiped clean of all prior updates on the film, save for a cryptic “see, hear, speak no evil” monkey post, which was later replaced by a detached entry about a friend’s Bugatti (http://lexialexander.com/archive_7_30_08.html). Today, Latino Review (http://latinoreview.com/news/lionsgate-wants-a-pg-13-punisher-war-zone-5212) hears that Lionsgate might edit the film for a PG-13 rating. The site speculates that The Dark Knight’s money volcano was an influence. Strange since Lionsgate is moving forward (http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/08/13/conan-being-fast-tracked-and-r-rated-new-script-from-outlander-guys/) with an R-rated Conan reboot, also being compared (of course) to TDK. But if true, this is beyond absurd. We’re almost intrigued to see them brick, given that Alexander enticed fans with boasts of hardcore bloodshed and Castle-worthy violence for months—later confirmed by this entertaining, head smashing red band clip (http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/07/25/red-band-clip-for-punisher-war-zone-is-very-cruel-to-faces/).
If Lionsgate is reading this, all it takes is a short statement to the fans clarifying your flick’s status. I was just interviewed by a mag about the detrimental impact a studio’s silence in 2008 can have on a movie generally perceived as troubled. War Zone is becoming a prototypical botched case. Current online perception is that there are two bad-buzz nails already in this film’s coffin, and buzz wasn’t too hot to start with. All it takes is one more, like star Ray Stevenson issuing a quiet diss, and this December outing will meet a worse fate than the prior Thomas Jane Punisher. That would make Frank Castle, a character that is, uhhh, not a “college educated Ferrari engine (http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/08/13/robert-downey-jr-disses-the-dark-knight-tells-dc-comics-to-fo/),” 3-for-3 for movie wipeouts.
This movie is looking like an absolute disaster. But why does it have to bring down cool actors from good Hbo shows with it? Why, I ask you?!
(And yeah, it's not technically Punisher 2, but who cares?)
MDiver01
08-14-2008, 08:29 PM
No Thomas Jane, no good.
and a no rated R.
No Thomas Jane, no good.
and a no rated R.
What he said. This is like a pussy version of the Punisher that should go straight to DVD. It's the fucking Punisher, and it's not rated R? WTF?
great...they just have to keep on ruining classic characters
But come on, any one 13 or younger with a parent should be able to see a character like the Punisher!
Hornstar
08-14-2008, 09:15 PM
Just when some of the superhero movies have been getting better. I really enjoyed the first Punisher. It is a shame it appears to be taking a leap backwards.
MDiver01
08-14-2008, 10:30 PM
Why do they always have to ruin the kick ass characters? Why dont they just fuck up some side characters?
banethejuggalo
08-14-2008, 10:32 PM
I was hoping The Punisher would go along the Rambo lines, but it looks like it will be more like the Daredevil line.
Nomad
08-15-2008, 09:22 PM
That PG-13 rumour ain't true!
That story never rang true to me. I believe THIS guy:
There is a rumor that has started circulating around this little thing called “the internet” that Lionsgate is pushing for the next installment of The Punisher to be rated PG-13. Given all we know of the franchise, this immediately smelled foul. Not being without charms and fully utilizing our ruggedly handsome looks, we tracked down our own source who is, of course, “close to the production.” Their word? *beep*
We could add some words in front of that, like “complete,” “total,” or “utter,” but it throws off the feng-shui of the post, but they would be appropriate. It looks like this originated over at Latino Review, who indicate that they have their own source. Now, I love those Latino Review guys, but I have no idea who they’re talking to. I do, however, definitely know our source and know that I trust them completely. Punisher: War Zone will be Rated R for Rambo-Levels of violence. Which is a good thing, because the kill count of Rambo (another Lionsgate release) was 236 and featured some of the best gore violence in years.
Now, while being Rated-R, the film is still facing a troubled production run, detailed by our Neil Miller at the end of last month. Who knows what else is going on in making the film “presentable,” though it probably has to do mostly with timing. While our source is more than enough for me, for you kids keeping count at home there are a few other things to keep in mind. First, former Marvel Entertainment CEO Avi Arad (and current Marvel producing partner) Avi Arad has always said that The Punisher was one character who would carry the R-Rating at Marvel (the other being Blade). Second, producer Gale Anne Hurd spoke at great length at Comic Con about the film and stressed the level of violence that would be in the film. Lastly, the exclusive footage shown at Comic Con, which was very well received, was definitely from a film that was Rated R, and it was the point they were selling - brutal.
In summation, this PG-13 rumor is total *beep* Punisher: War Zone is still not a ship sailing smoothly, but it will come to theaters with that Rated R stamp all over it on December 5. And just in case you need more evidence of the R-Ratedness, have a look at the clip below, which was launched a few weeks back at Comic-Con.
http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/punisher-still-to-punish-in-r-ra ted-way.php (http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/punisher-still-to-punish-in-r-ra ted-way.php)
Nomad
bixby
08-16-2008, 04:53 PM
...aaaannnnnddd it still looks terrible.
http://i37.tinypic.com/2q9axih.jpg
Black_Sun
08-16-2008, 05:05 PM
Thomas Jane made a better Punisher than Stevenson. I can't imagine this being anything but a failure.
bixby
08-16-2008, 05:14 PM
The script reviews I've read have been pretty awful, and the trailers are just putting nails in the coffin.
Both Stevenson and Dominic West are cool actors, but they should really just retreat from this movie while they can.
West in particular, if the trailer is anything to judge it by, his performance looks painfully bad. I can see what he was going for--another flamboyant, murderous psychopath, basically a poor man's Joker--but it looks fucking terrible. And his make-up makes him look like a slimy muppet.
Neohesh
08-16-2008, 05:52 PM
I would rather see my family get massacred than go see this movie.
Philip Lombard
08-16-2008, 05:56 PM
the tom jane punisher was actually pretty good. they should have kept him involved. i think he would have had them correct a lot of that film's missteps (travolta, florida setting, etc.)
Grieves
08-20-2008, 06:27 PM
the tom jane punisher was actually pretty good.If by "pretty good", you mean "pure shit", then I concur.
El Torpedo
08-20-2008, 07:09 PM
First Punisher was decent but verrry far from good. Jane left the project upon reading the script which sucks because he was pretty into the character and had some good ideas on how to correct the first ones weaknesses and make a legitimately good film.
The Ape
08-21-2008, 01:55 PM
The first Punisher didn't do the character much justice I doubt this will either.
Night Hawk
08-22-2008, 05:48 PM
The first Punisher didn't do the character much justice I doubt this will either.
I thought Thomas Jane was great as the punisher..
I thought Travolta was HORRIBLE as Howard Saint and the fact that it happened in fucking TAMPA instead of NY sucked balls.
Papelgod
08-24-2008, 08:57 AM
What he said. This is like a pussy version of the Punisher that should go straight to DVD. It's the fucking Punisher, and it's not rated R? WTF?
Wait a minute... this isn't going straight to DVD?
I enjoyed the first one because Tom Jane did such a good job. The fact that he isn't in this one makes me have zero desire to see it.
Clownbaby
08-26-2008, 12:45 AM
Holy Fuck! I just saw the trailer for this earlier. It looks fuckin awful.
I was happy they were making another one but there is no way in hell im watching that
Jason
09-01-2008, 10:38 PM
Yeah I'll wait for this one to come out on Netflix. Disappointing.
Thomas Jane helped out the first movie quite a bit but I agree with everyone else this looks bad and has already set itself up for disaster
arod2105
09-12-2008, 11:03 AM
I really enjoyed the first punisher. Thomas Jane was Frank Castle. He basically gave up on the sequal because so much time had passed, and he didn't like the script and they couldn't get a director for the longest time. He wanted to give the fans what they wanted, and the studio just would not listen at all. I don't blame him for leaving the project behind.
Night Hawk
09-12-2008, 03:11 PM
I really enjoyed the first punisher. Thomas Jane was Frank Castle. He basically gave up on the sequal because so much time had passed, and he didn't like the script and they couldn't get a director for the longest time. He wanted to give the fans what they wanted, and the studio just would not listen at all. I don't blame him for leaving the project behind.
Well... You can't say it had anything to do with too much time passing... That shit happens all the time.. He was quoted saying something about it all depends on the script... Then he read the script and backed out. It was 100% the script.. and that is why this should be straight to DVD.
I say they should take their loss and reboot the franchise correctly.
Start first by casting someone who owned the part like Jane.. Secondly how about we make it in NEW YORK.. instead of fucking TAMPA...
Lot of punishment needed to be handed out in fucking FLORIDA.. let me tell you.. all the badasses live here. PFFT!
Am I the only one who thought the exploding head and table leg through the eye socket parts were cool?
MDiver01
09-22-2008, 05:24 AM
did anybody even see it?
Night Hawk
09-22-2008, 12:54 PM
Am I the only one who thought the exploding head and table leg through the eye socket parts were cool?
did anybody even see it?
haha i guess Roll did... must have had a private screening.
bixby
09-22-2008, 01:15 PM
The chair through the eye and the headshot are in the uncut music video trailer they released.
Why is Dominic West in this, honestly? You were on The Wire, West, what are you doing!?
Stevenson, AKA TITUS PULLO by far has a better look as the Punisher than Tom Jane did.
I know the Punisher is supposed to be a dark story and all, but everyone needs to remember its still a comic book movie. I mean, cmon, the guy wears a giant white skull on the front of his shirt and named himself "THE PUNISHER." I think this movie can afford a little tongue-in-cheek action.
Night Hawk
09-22-2008, 04:52 PM
Stevenson, AKA TITUS PULLO by far has a better look as the Punisher than Tom Jane did.
I know the Punisher is supposed to be a dark story and all, but everyone needs to remember its still a comic book movie. I mean, cmon, the guy wears a giant white skull on the front of his shirt and named himself "THE PUNISHER." I think this movie can afford a little tongue-in-cheek action.
But its one of the most plausible ones.... he has a nickname and a symbol, that opens up the disbelief to the level of spiderman and such?
allyourbase
09-22-2008, 09:51 PM
And even though this is a comic book movie, some dose of reality can only be a good thing. I'm looking forward to this one. It HAS to be better than Jane's punisher.
Archetype
09-22-2008, 09:52 PM
Pardon?
The only thing that made the second Punisher digestible WAS the fact that he put on a surprisingly decent performance as the Punisher. But otherwise it was hard for me to get past the fact that Tom Jane is just a wussy looking Punisher. kind of like Christian Bale and his Batman voice.
But Titus Pullo; now thats what Frank Castle looks like.
MDiver01
10-03-2008, 08:09 PM
Punisher WILL get R-rating (http://www.joblo.com/punisher-gets-r)
monkeymafia
10-25-2008, 01:11 AM
I liked the first Punisher - except the russian guy part...If american think that russian are like that white guy, then they have a huge problem.
bixby
12-06-2008, 01:45 PM
Well, it bombed. So long, Punisher franchise.
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/look-familiar-fridays-top-films-all-holdovers-four-christmases-1-twilight-2-bolt-3/
My box office gurus were perplexed why Lionsgate would open its Marvel Comics vigilante Punisher: War Zone (not a sequel to the 2004 film, but a fresh start on the Punisher franchise) only 9 days after releasing Transporter 3 since they're similar action genres. But it had to do with space and availability. So it didn't come as a surprise that the R-rated pic will probably do less than half what Hollywood expected, $4+M as opposed to $9M-$10M, after debuting to just 8th place with $1.6M Friday in 2,508 theaters.
Never shoulda changed things
bixby
12-06-2008, 04:57 PM
It's unfortunate, because you can tell that both Ray Stevenson and Thomas Jane really love the character, and they're both good choices for the role, they just got stuck with fucking awful scripts (I haven't seen War Zone, because, honestly, the trailer was enough).
El Torpedo
12-06-2008, 05:07 PM
I don't really understand how the fucked up Jigsaw, that's got to be the easiest villain ever. I'm also just judging by the trailers, but come on. Punisher in general should not be a difficult movie to adapt, there are millions of great close ended Punisher stories they could choose from and just, you know, do that.
bixby
12-06-2008, 05:37 PM
While the script may be shitty, the thing that really struck me in the trailer was how terrible Dominic West looked as Jigsaw. His make-up (not his fault, but still) and the bad noo-yawkish accent made him seem like he was auditioning for a Dick Tracy sequel, and you could tell he wasn't taking it seriously at all. I think a good portion of the blame for Jigsaw will probably fall on West's shoulders, which sucks, because the guy's a great actor most of the time, and he was fantastic on The Wire.
Who wants to bet that Marvel's going to try to get the Punisher rights back from Lionsgate? We'll probably never see another solo film (unless it's straight to dvd) but maybe they can get Stevenson in on an Avenger's sequel, or something.
Or, Marvel re-acquires it and throws a shitload at Tom Jane
MDiver01
12-06-2008, 09:36 PM
lets hope its the latter.
bixby
12-07-2008, 02:16 AM
Somewhere, Tom Jane is laughing. Or he doesn't even know this movie's in theaters, like most people. Either one.
Even though the 2004 Punisher was a terrible movie, I think that--if they had written a script that didn't make Jane flee in terror--a second Punisher film with him as Castle would've been a decent financial success (it would've done better than War Zone's doing, at least). Jane's Punisher actually sold pretty well on dvd, and the people who saw that film would've recognized him in the part. The trailers for PWZ kept flashing the names Ray Stevenson and Dominic West, and those names don't mean shit to people who haven't seen Rome or The Wire. Jane's not a huge star, but people recognize him.
the creeps
12-07-2008, 04:54 AM
my main issue with jane's punisher, was that it took too long for him to become the punisher.
i think they went with ray over tom due to the black hair and the large frame. ray seems like a giant when i see him on tv.
Originally, wasn't this POS going to be a straight to DVD project once Jane passed on the part?