If you’re an action aficionado, you’ll probably see both of these films. However, if you have to see only one, see “Transporter 3.” Not only does it have a more charismatic star, but it actually has action. The only thing “Punisher: War Zone” has going for it is the huge body count although neither movie can boast much of a plot. Frank Martin (Jason Statham), who can drive a car like no other and is good in hand-to-hand combat, is a highly paid transporter of ‘packages.’ This time around, circumstances force him to accept a job he doesn’t want and to top it off, both he and his package, Valentina (Natalya Rudankova), wear bracelets that will explode if they get more than 75 feet from the car. In the process of trying to catch the bad guy (Robert Knepper), Frank drives his car on two wheels between two semis and lands this same car atop a moving train. There’s also a creative fight scene where Frank undresses and uses his clothing (jacket, tie, shirt) to disarm his opponents. The best scene occurs when someone steals the car and Frank has to race to catch up or … explode.
“Punisher: War Zone,” about a Marvel Comics character, is a gloomy and unpleasant movie. The other two Punisher movies were about vigilante justice and this one is no different. Frank Castle (another Frank played by Ray Stevenson) makes the mistake of killing an undercover agent while cleaning out a mansion full of mobsters. Guilt-ridden, he vows to protect the man’s widow (Julie Benz) and her daughter from a couple of bad guys who are after them. Stevenson has got what’s needed to play the Punisher – a steely gaze, a no-nonsense demeanor and no sense of humor. Dominic West as the badly scarred Jigsaw and Doug Hutchinson as the cannibalistic Loony Bin Jim are so campy and over the top that it’s a relief when they get their just desserts from the Punisher. Director Lexi Alexander doesn’t skimp on the blood and gore as bad guys are decapitated, blown to bits and eviscerated as the body count grows and grows. Skip this one.
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