With so many comic books written over the years, constant changing writers and artists, perspectives, and interpretations, everyone has their own idea for which story should be told in the film adaptations or how they should be told. Frankly, if studios started listening to more of what the fans want (20th Century Fox)then maybe comic book movies wouldn't bomb critically or financially.
Most CBM's are given 2 tries to make money, gain praise and basically be a good movie. Most 2nd tries are sequels however, Punisher is just not one of them.
First, I wouldn't have minded seeing a sequel to the '04 Punisher. There were many unfaithful points regarding source material and Jon H. took many liberties with the actual transformation of Frank Castle into The Punisher. But he did treat the film like an origin film should have been treated and he ended it amazingly with his decision to live and become "The Punisher". You just couldn't wait to see what would happen in the sequel. Would he become more hateful? More violent? Would there be a good villain? I think it was properly made as a good drama/action film but not as a CBM. I loved Tom Jane's acting, I think he did superb at portraying the Frank Castle in this cinematic universe that he is in. John Travolta played a villain that was obviously without remorse and a bit evil but played it cool for the most part. It was a story of 2 fathers in the same situation. Ben Foster as Spacker Dave made my day, when reading Welcome Back, Frank I always wondered how he would be portrayed and Foster brought the character to a whole different region of awesomeness. I didn't care for Joan too much. Because really, I wanted to see the awkward Joan. Not the talkative, "I want to be with you" kinda person. and Bumpo? Bumpo is just great. (:
Now War Zone however, if you've read my previous article, you know my feelings on it and all I'm going to do here is make a comparison for the two Punishers. I give credit for everything Ray Stevenson did right in this movie, and everything he did wrong I'm blaming it on Lexi Alexander. Her 'Vision' Pbbbbbt. :P Stevenson had dedication, he understood the role, understood what it meant to the fans and he had the emotion.
Now, emotion, that's the interesting part I want to get into. A lot of people say that Jane was a Crybaby and Stevenson was an emotionless brick wall but If you watch Punisher 04' Castle is still a very shook person, still undecided what's going to happen after he kills Saint and isn't used to killing without orders. In War Zone, His wounds have scabbed over, he's very determined, he knows what he's going to do until he dies and he has emotion, very much so. It goes back to what I was saying about giving credit to Stevenson for doing everything right. Stevenson was about subtlety, and keeping faith to the source. Lexi could give two shits about emotion, she just wanted an action flick. Ray was all about 'less is more' which is true. In the MAX series the only time you ever see TRUE physical emotion of any kind is when Nicky Cavella digs up the family grave. Anyhow, I didn't enjoy the movie, but I enjoyed Ray Stevenson's acting and I like his subtlety and I hope with a 2nd chance he could prove to the audience that he really has what it takes to make all Punisher fans happy. At least fans of the MAX line. I think the whole War Zone film should be forgotten and there should be a different take on the whole MAX adaptation.
Thanks for your time, all. (: