Lemon of the Week: Punisher: War Zone

Just like Universal's attempt to reboot their green muscle superhero franchise of The Incredible Hulk, Lionsgate Films is doing the same with their piece of the Marvel pie. Fans of the character are indeed hoping for a fresh start to the mangled 2004 film The Punisher – but sources close to IONCINEMA.com have personally confided in me that the character is once again being passed through a let's-give-them-what-we-think-they-want meat-grinder. Fans be warned: if you are looking for something significantly better in Punisher: War Zone, don't hold your breath.

Though I have zero authority on the subject matter, (in my teen years, I've read only read about 20 issues of the comic book) and have very little interest in seeing the film, I thought I'd deliver a soft blow to those who really have larger-than-life expectations for the franchise. Currently in the final hours of production in the city of Montreal (they are wrapping that up as we speak) – the director has had time to address some concerns with fans via Comingsoon.net's Superhero Hype (check the message board exchange here).

The passing of the torch from Thomas Jane to Ray Stevenson is as my sources say 'band aid solution'. Some might suggest that Jane was too “soft looking”, apparently the same can be said about Stevenson. While folks tell me he is a great actor to work with, he simply lacks the edge needed for the character. As for director Lexi Alexander…her previous work and directorial debut came with Green Street Hooligans, apparently she is bulldozing through the shooting script. This certainly makes sense when pyros and the fireworks are involved, but character development and camera aesthetics are losing out to big explosions. On the villains note: I heard it be compared to some of WB's bad Batman films. September shall be the deciding date on this one. May the editing room and post-prod save them!