THIS IS NOT REVENGE. IT’S PUNISHMENT!
When a retired FBI agent’s (Thomas Jane) entire family is wiped out by a gangster’s (John Travolta) thugs, he turns himself into a one-man killing machine. Another version of the comic book; featuring better known stars and more explosive action than the 1989 movie, it nevertheless comes up just as short thanks to a bloated running time, uninspired acting and a very sadistic tone. The final sequence where Travolta buys the farm is so over-the-top it made me laugh.
2004-U.S. 124 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh. Comic Book: Gerry Conway, John Romita, Sr., Ross Andru. Cast: Thomas Jane (Frank Castle), John Travolta (Howard Saint), Rebecca Romijn (Joan), Will Patton, Roy Scheider, Laura Harring.
Trivia: Alternative version runs 140 min. Followed by Punisher: War Zone (2008).