As a fan of comic book-based movies, The Punisher (2004) is one of my favorites. The movie is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name and follows the story of Frank Castle, a former FBI agent who becomes a vigilante after his family is killed by the mob. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive comic summary of The Punisher (2004) movie, as well as other interesting details about the film.
Introduction to The Punisher (2004) Movie
The Punisher (2004) is a crime thriller movie directed by Jonathan Hensleigh and starring Thomas Jane as Frank Castle/The Punisher. The movie was produced by Marvel Studios and released by Lionsgate Films. It is the second film adaptation of the Punisher character, following the 1989 movie of the same name.
Comic Summary of The Punisher (2004) Movie
The Punisher (2004) movie is based on several comic book storylines, including “Welcome Back, Frank” by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, and “The Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe” by Garth Ennis and Doug Braithwaite. The movie begins with Frank Castle retiring from the FBI to spend time with his wife and son. However, during a family reunion in Puerto Rico, they are caught in the crossfire between two rival gangs, and Frank’s entire family is killed.
Devastated and seeking revenge, Frank decides to become a vigilante and hunt down those responsible for his family’s deaths. He adopts the persona of the Punisher and begins his mission to eliminate the criminal underworld in New York City. Along the way, he enlists the help of his neighbor Joan, and a trio of misfit criminals: Spacker Dave, Bumpo, and Mickey.
The Punisher’s main targets are the Howard Saint family, who were responsible for the death of his family. He infiltrates their organization, and using his military training and arsenal of weapons, begins to take them down one by one. In the end, Frank faces off against Howard Saint himself, and after a brutal fight, he emerges victorious.
Movie Summary of The Punisher (2004) Movie
The Punisher (2004) movie takes place in various locations, including Puerto Rico and New York City. The film opens with Frank Castle retiring from the FBI and spending time with his family in Puerto Rico. However, tragedy strikes when his entire family is killed, and Frank decides to take revenge on those responsible.
The majority of the movie takes place in New York City, where Frank adopts the persona of the Punisher and begins his mission to eliminate the criminal underworld. He infiltrates the Howard Saint family’s organization and takes them down one by one, leading up to a final confrontation with Howard Saint himself.
The movie features a talented cast, including Thomas Jane as Frank Castle/The Punisher, John Travolta as Howard Saint, and Rebecca Romijn as Joan. The film also includes several memorable action scenes and a great soundtrack.
When and Where the Movie Takes Place
The Punisher (2004) movie takes place in various locations, including Puerto Rico and New York City. The movie opens with Frank Castle retiring from the FBI and spending time with his family in Puerto Rico. However, tragedy strikes when his entire family is killed, and Frank decides to take revenge on those responsible.
The majority of the movie takes place in New York City, where Frank adopts the persona of the Punisher and begins his mission to eliminate the criminal underworld.
Film Locations Used in The Punisher (2004) Movie
The Punisher (2004) movie was filmed on location in various locations, including Tampa, Florida, and Sydney, Australia. The opening scene, which takes place in Puerto Rico, was actually filmed in Tampa. The New York City scenes were filmed in Sydney, with several iconic landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, recreated on set.
Who’s Who in The Punisher (2004) Movie
The Punisher (2004) movie features a talented cast, including:
- Thomas Jane as Frank Castle/The Punisher
- John Travolta as Howard Saint
- Rebecca Romijn as Joan
- Laura Harring as Howard Saint’s wife, Livia
- Ben Foster as Spacker Dave
- John Pinette as Bumpo
- Will Patton as Quentin Glass
- Roy Scheider as Frank Castle Sr.
Memorable Quotes from The Punisher (2004) Movie
The Punisher (2004) movie features several memorable quotes, including:
- “Those who do evil to others – the killers, the rapists, psychos, sadists – you will come to know me well. Frank Castle is dead. Call me… The Punisher.” – Frank Castle/The Punisher
- “I’m gonna kill you and your entire fucking family!” – Howard Saint
- “Somebody’s gotta punish the guilty.” – Frank Castle/The Punisher
- “We can’t all be nice girls.” – Joan
Soundtrack by Carlo Siliotto: Bio and Other Works
The Punisher (2004) movie features a great soundtrack by Italian composer Carlo Siliotto. Siliotto has composed music for several movies, including Fluke (1995), The Legend of 1900 (1998), and Nomad: The Warrior (2005). He has also won several awards for his work, including a World Soundtrack Award for Best Original Song Written for a Film.
Curiosities about The Punisher (2004) Movie
- The Punisher (2004) was originally intended to be an R-rated movie, but the studio requested that it be toned down to a PG-13 rating to appeal to a wider audience.
- Thomas Jane, who played Frank Castle/The Punisher, performed many of his own stunts in the movie, including the fight scene with Kevin Nash’s character, The Russian.
- The Punisher’s skull logo was originally designed by artist Tim Bradstreet for the comic book series, and was later used in the movie.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing like Jimmy Weeks (as Russell Andrews) and Joe Toro
If you’re a fan of The Punisher (2004) movie and want to cosplay as one of the characters, Jimmy Weeks (as Russell Andrews) or Joe Toro, there are several things you can do to achieve their look.
For Jimmy Weeks’ look, you’ll need a black suit, white shirt, and black tie. You can also add a black fedora hat and a fake mustache for added effect. For Joe Toro’s look, you’ll need a black leather jacket, black t-shirt, and jeans. You can also add a bandana and sunglasses for added effect.
Gerry Conway: Bio and 5 Best Works by Gerry Conway
Gerry Conway is an American comic book writer who co-created the Punisher character with artist Ross Andru. He has also worked on several other comic book series, including “The Amazing Spider-Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” and “Justice League of America.” Here are 5 of his best works:
- “The Amazing Spider-Man” #121-122: The Night Gwen Stacy Died
- “The Incredible Hulk” #180-181: Wolverine’s First Appearance
- “Justice League of America” #139-146: Crisis on Earth-One
- “Detective Comics” #469-476: The Laughing Fish
- “Firestorm, The Nuclear Man” #1-5: Origin of Firestorm
Other Media by Jonathan Hensleigh Related to The Punisher
In addition to The Punisher (2004) movie, Jonathan Hensleigh has worked on several other movies and TV shows. Here are some of his other works related to The Punisher:
- Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995): Hensleigh wrote the screenplay for this action movie, which starred Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson.
- Jumanji (1995): Hensleigh co-wrote the screenplay for this adventure movie, which starred Robin Williams and Kirsten Dunst.
- The Punisher (2017): Hensleigh served as an executive producer on this Netflix series, which starred Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/The Punisher.
List of 10 Similar Movies to The Punisher (2004)
If you’re a fan of The Punisher (2004) movie and want to watch similar movies, here are 10 recommendations:
- John Wick (2014)
- The Equalizer (2014)
- Taken (2008)
- Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
- The Boondock Saints (1999)
- The Raid: Redemption (2011)
- Oldboy (2003)
- Man on Fire (2004)
- A History of Violence (2005)
- The Bourne Identity (2002)
Book Club Questions for The Punisher (2004) Movie
If you’re part of a book club and want to discuss The Punisher (2004) movie, here are some questions to get the conversation started:
- What did you think of the movie’s portrayal of Frank Castle/The Punisher?
- Did you find the movie’s violence and action scenes to be excessive, or did they add to the overall experience?
- What did you think of the movie’s casting choices? Did any of the actors stand out to you?
- How did you feel about the movie’s ending? Did it leave you satisfied?
- How does The Punisher (2004) movie compare to other comic book-based movies you’ve seen?
List and Description of 10 Similar Novels to The Punisher
If you’re a fan of The Punisher (2004) movie and want to read similar novels, here are 10 recommendations:
- The Godfather by Mario Puzo
- The Killer Inside Me by Jim Thompson
- The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler
- The Friends of Eddie Coyle by George V. Higgins
- The Hunter by Richard Stark (Donald E. Westlake)
- The Getaway by Jim Thompson
- The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
- The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
- The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum
- Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Parent Guide for The Punisher (2004) Movie
The Punisher (2004) movie is rated R for strong pervasive violence, language, and some sexual content. The movie includes several intense action scenes, including shootouts and hand-to-hand combat. There is also some profanity and sexual content, including a brief sex scene.
Buying Guide and Gift Ideas for The Punisher (2004) Movie Fans
If you’re a fan of The Punisher (2004) movie or know someone who is, here are some buying guide and gift ideas:
- The Punisher (2004) movie on Blu-ray or DVD
- The Punisher (2004) movie soundtrack on CD or vinyl
- The Punisher (2004) movie poster or framed print
- The Punisher (2004) comic book collection
- The Punisher (2004) action figure or collectible statue
Conclusion
The Punisher (2004) movie is a great example of a comic book-based movie done right. It features a talented cast, memorable action scenes, and a great soundtrack. In this article, I provided a comprehensive comic summary of the movie, as well as other interesting details about the film. Whether you’re a fan of the comic book series or just looking for an action-packed movie, The Punisher (2004) is definitely worth a watch.
