Punisher: War Zone

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 5, 2008

DVD Release Date: March 17, 2009

Plot 411: A vigilante cleans up the New York scene but an undercover FBI agent gets caught in the crossfire.

Review: This movie stars Ray Stevenson as the Punisher aka Frank Castle, a former Army Range (I think?) who turns into a crime fighting vigilante when his family is murdered by the mob. As he slowly works his way through the mob families, the police turn a blind eye to his antics because he's cleaning up the streets in a way that they'd never be able to do. However, during one of the incidents, an FBI agent is killed and Frank begins to have doubts about his purpose. This was a pretty good action flick with a good deal of gun violence and hand-to-hand combat. I haven't seen the first movie, which starred Thomas Jane, so I can't really do a fair comparison of the two. However, from what I can tell, Stevenson is built like a brick house and must tower over Jane. Jane, I can only assume, is a better actor though.

Watch It: For the action sequences. What else?

Skip It: If because despite the action, the premise is pretty weak. So what? Is he like a poor man's Batman?

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 1, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: James and his brother Victor learn early on that they possess special powers. But, it is only when the love of James' life is killed that he fully embraces his gift.

Review: Somehow, this movie just doesn't live up to my expectations of what an X-Men film should be. The action sequences were there but just didn't have the same oomph that they usually do, including a crazy helo scene. I'm not sure what's wrong with this movie other than it's simply lacking. Hugh Jackman reprises his role as Wolverine and the audience sees his life pre-Wolverine as James. Perhaps the change in formula and focus from many characters to one character is what deters from the full effect of an X-Men film? Liev Schreiber is pretty good as Victor Creed aka Sabretooth. Both he and Jackman seem to have bulked up heavily for their roles.

Watch It: If you're a comic nut or have followed the trilogy thus far.

Skip It: If you're thinking you'll start off your X-Men education with this prequel.

Trailer:

Watchmen

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 6, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A group of retired superheroes are attacked by an unknown entity so they dust off their old getups to kick some butt.

Review: I found this movie to be a combination of intriguing and confusing. I didn't read the graphic novel prior to seeing the film (nor do I think I ever will), and I'm not much of a fan for the genre anyway. But, overall it was good. The special effects, of course, were outstanding and I often found myself wondering how they managed to do things. This could have contributed to my overall confusion with the plot. I didn't really understand the nuances of the two generations of superheroes and a multitude of other things. Visually though, there were so many stimulating things from the contrast in color and darkness, the neon blue of Dr. Manhanttan (and his prominently displayed package), the ever-changing face of Rorschach and the state of the world as portrayed in the film. It's probably worth another viewing once it comes out on DVD.

Watch It: If superhero flicks are your kryptonite.

Skip It: If softcore porn offends you. There are portions that would make even a grown man blush, especially if he's watching it in a theater with dozens of other people.

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