Meaning, it wasn't meant to be as serious, realistic, or deep as The Dark Knight. That would be a film. Punisher: War Zone is a movie, meant to be enjoyed but not analyzed.
To start with, the creative team behind this movie clearly went to the source material (Punisher Max Series), and it really shows. Not only are there several side characters from the series here in the movie, but the colors, tone, dialogue, and look of the characters (especially big Frank himself) are right from the comics. Sure some of the side characters aren't true to the comics, but I'm pretty sure they were just thrown in for the enjoyment of the fans.
Ray Stevenson was great as the Punisher. Again, very true to the source material. While Dolph Lundgren seemed sleepy & burned-out, and Thomas Jane was a depressed drunk, Stevenson's Punisher is sharp and inconsolable. Not only does he have the right look and voice, but it's clear he's and actor with talent. If the studio decides to make any more Punisher movies, Ray Stevenson should continue to play the part.
Dominic West was excellent as Jigsaw, and although some reviews feel he was a little over-the-top, I felt it was necessary to provide some balance to Ray Stevenson's Punisher. Julie Benz showed great balance as the female lead, and thank the comic-book gods, they did NOT try to invent a romantic storyline here.
I've read some reviews where people are complaining about the plot, but again, this story could have been taken right from the comics. There was no need for several storylines intertwining, or plot twists, it was a simple story about the Punisher working his way through the mob, and having to protect a couple of innocents along the way.
Why is this finally a true Punisher movie:
1) Ray Stevenson - he looks and acts the part. Instead of trying to create and origin story, they start with the Punisher 5 years into his rampage. The flashbacks and narrative tells the viewer all they need about the origin. Just like the comics, he is sharp and professional about what he does. And like the comics, he is direct. He doesn't waste time setting the villains up, he simply takes them out with military precision & strategy.
2) Interesting villains. Sure they are a little over-the-top, but they need to be to offset the darkness of the Punisher.
3) A director with the guts to show the Punisher as a relentless murdering vigilante. The previous Punisher movie tried too hard to make him a soft, sympathetic character, and dulled his violent edge. This movie displayed a Punisher that quite frankly, not everyone will like, but the same could be said about the comic.
Congratulations, and thank you Lexi Alexander.
It's really a shame that so many critics are giving it such a harsh, unfair review. Either they were spoiled by The Dark Knight & Iron Man, or they've never read a Punisher comic. Probably both.
If you like the Punisher comics, you will really enjoy this movie.