A Closer Look At Three Of My Favorite Assassin Movies

 
    I was originally going to make this really long and drawn out, having a huge list of ten of my favorite assassin movies, but then I realized two things. One: There's not even really that great an amount of movies that are actually about the assassin, and Two: There's only three that I'm thinking of right now that are quality and even show a varying difference between realistic and silver screen fantasy. Also, I found a few outstanding pictures that I want to show, as well. I'll beat myself over the head with a loaf of bread if I realize later I forgot something or left out a great film, granted I'm on very little sleep, preoccupied with a lot of things, and haven't ate in, like, 24 hours. But it all honesty it's just me giving props to three films I love. So, I'm going to make this quick.

    First movie I feel that doesn't get enough credit and is forgotten on a lot of people, is Bridget Fonda's "Point Of No Return". Released in 1993, it was originally titled "The Assassin" (Jeez, how original. Might as well make a movie about a janitor and call it "Janitor") and was basically a re-make of the classic "La Femme Nikita", which if memory serves, was an early television show and movie. They're both similar, even visually, with the story circulating about a female whose life becomes changed when she's forced into mercenary work. I chose the Bridget Fonda version because I use to watch it repeatedly, so often, and I feel like a lot of the scenes are tremendous in portraying the aspects of the lifestyle that would require being shown. There's a tad bit of cheesiness, but not as much as a ton of others I could name. On a side note, where the hell has Bridget Fonda gone by the way? She was great, and now nothing, or am I trippin'? Anyways, you should see this if you haven't or if you are even remotely interested. Great flick.

  Moving on, this next one is on my favorite movies of all time list, I just don't know exactly where I'd put it. With the starring role played perfectly by the great John Cusack, "Grosse Pointe Blank" is a fairly different vision of the would be life of an assassin. Released in 1997, it was easily distinguishable with a great cast and even better screenplay. It's almost a dark comedy, but that doesn't make it any less entertaining or accurate, in my opinion. Such great acting here, and although funny, there's a lot of subjects most assassin flicks haven't touched on, such as psychiatrist visits, out of touch family members, and the growing tiresome of the mercenary trade. The greatest theme imbedded in this movie I would say is that the assassin factor is constantly downplayed and accepted, like it's just an average job. I could watch this repeatedly, and usually don't allow myself to go for too long without seeing it periodically. Not to mention the soundtrack stands alone, and everything is just so suave and slick about it it almost demands repeated viewings. If you haven't watched this gem, I suggest you take the time as soon as possible and enjoy the bullets and banter. A true classic.

  Lastly, I have to give credit to what should not be a surprise to anyone in being the greatest assassin movie of all time in my opinion, Leon: The Professional. A star-studded cast including Jean Reno as the title role, Danny Aiello, Gary Oldman, and a rarely seen newer young actress in Natalie Portman. I'm just now realizing that all three of these films came out in the 90's, with this one having been released in 1994. I didn't mean for that to happen and it's slightly odd. Were the 90's the best period for believable assassin flicks? Most likely I don't need to say much at all about this film. It is simply outstanding and to say it's a cult classic is kind of an understatement. Gary Oldman kills in this, both figuratively and literally, and is so hypnotizing he almost steals the show. I need not describe the beauty in the attention to detail with Leon's tactics, rules, and the surrounding environment because it's practically air-apparent. Whether it's the final showdown with the feds closing in on the building, or the teaching of Matilda, every scene is done with such impressive finesse it's mesmerizing. If you don't love this film, I haven't the slightest idea what to tell you. Despite the main plot being Matilda, I'd say this movie still perfectly defines the assassin's creed and lifestyle, and brings you into the world all so easily. A go to for anyone interested in what an assassin movie should be like.

   On a side note, I have a verse in one of my songs with my group, CutThroat Cadavers, called "Combat Language", where I reference all three of these films. A little secret that not too many people know about, or would ever realize.

  I don't know really what compelled me to write this blog, it's kind of odd to me. But it was interesting doing it, and I hope it's agreeable or in the very least, makes you want to watch these films. I think I'll just like looking back and knowing I did it, for whatever idiotic reason. I'm always extremely greatful for anyone reading my stuff. Thanks and much respect to you! Until next time, friends.

  "This business is bliss, literally hit or miss. My only occupation's obligation: No women, no kids. At close range, my Grosse Pointe Blank destroys blame. Avid stick to the script, and always avoid names. My armament with cartridges in artisan, that's part of it. My soul's as cold as the arctic mist when the target's hit." - Me.

Frank Castle's Art Of War: Punisher's Best Battles (Link)

  Here's the link for the new blog I just finished for Punisher Central. 'Twas fun writing it. Check it out if you have the time. It's great site, with really kick-ass people. Thanks a grip.

 http://punishercentral.blogspot.com/2012/02/frank-castles-art-of-war-punishers-top.html

"Pros, Cons, and the History of The Punisher in Film."

  Aren't movies grand? I mean, who doesn't enjoy a good film now and then? The cinematic silver screen affords us a gateway to escaping from our own realities where we can become immersed in an entertaining story. Some are better than others, and some are just down right laughably bad. Lately, there's been a surge in Hollywood for more and more movies based on comic books, and they're becoming increasingly successful and popular. It's almost getting to where the average Joe will think themselves an expert on Iron Man, just because they've seen the few films with Robert Downey Jr. Personally, I've never seen a Harry Potter film, but I wouldn't exactly consider myself knowledgeable in that realm if I was to see a few of them.

  Skip ahead to the Punisher universe where to date there's been three motion pictures released about him. Such an entertaining entity with endless ways of telling his stories. What follows is just an overview of the good, the bad, and the ugly of Mr. Francis Castiglione, Frank Castle, in film.

  Starting off what seems like centuries ago, in 1989 Artisan Entertainment released the first Punisher movie starring Dolph Lundgren. I've actually read on websites, and seen comments scattered about, claiming this was the best Punisher film, and that Dolph Lundgren was the best to portray the Punisher. It's statements like these that have me shaking my head.

 
 Actually, I'd consider the opposite true. This is in my humble opinion, the worst of the series. The acting was real bad, like, terrible soap opera bad. The script wasn't really impressive by any standards, and the whole film lacked excitement. Also, all the guns fired had that 80's cap gun pop, and there were so many elements and important traits from the comic that they forgot, or just left out. He never even sports the classic white skull on his chest, how do you not do that? That's like Batman movie without him ever wearing his costume! I could go on and on about things I disliked about this film, and there's a reason why I watched this very little. Maybe I should focus on some of the good factors going for this one. There were some good scenes, and Dolph does have a fighting background and is big enough to pull off a muscular-like Punisher. One of the best scenes in the movie, I don't remember if it was deleted or not, showcases Punisher's knife which has the famous skull on it. Here's a quick clip of one of the better scenes, in an otherwise kind of boring portrayal:

  It's worth owning, and I think the main thing is that people forget how the movie actually was, and remember it to be more impressive than it was. At least they made this film, because it laid the groundwork for the next ones. Having said that, let's move on to the next one in succession, which happens to be my favorite of the series.

 The Punisher starring Thomas Jane was released in 2004, with intermediate success. This one is far and away my personal favorite because it's the only one to have scenes in the movie directly taken from a particular comic. Plus, there's so many impressive scenes. Whether it's the dramatic and captivating scene where his ENTIRE FAMILY is killed on the pier, or him fighting the Russian or battling a foe, there was too much I enjoyed here. Yeah, I know there were some glaring errors. I really wish they wouldn't have included John Travolta, as he was given too much screen time and emphasis, and I don't like how Punisher just finds the skull shirt in the water, but most of what else I could disapprove of is nitpicking. Thomas Jane is the best actor of all three to play the Punisher, and that's not really that arguable when you look at all his acclaim from his award nominations and the diversity of his roles. I don't, however, think he was the best Punisher, just the best Frank Castle, if that makes sense. My favorite scene in this movie is where he's on the ground about to be shot, and he fires the knife mechanism, stabbing his would-be assassin, Harry Heck, which is scene for scene from the Garth Ennis comic.

  This was the short version, the longer one with the quick car chase wouldn't upload for some reason. Anyways, great film, and very little I didn't like. Even though I could of done without Rebecca Romijn's version of the character she played from the comic, and the final scene with a skull formed from cars on fire was a bit over the top, they were small stumbles in an enjoyable film.

  Lastly, there was Punisher: War Zone, with Ray Stevenson in 2008. There was a lot of good, and some bad with this take, I felt. I'd like to give credit to the fact that they included Jigsaw, one of Punisher's antagonists, and the amount of actual bloodshed depicted in this film. Although the actor that played Jigsaw, Dominic West, was atrocious and I disliked him, it was still cool that his character was involved. While none of the three films have been gory enough for my expectations, this one was probably the bloodiest, which is a huge plus. I felt that Ray Stevenson had the most believable portrayal of the actual Punisher, but wasn't a good Frank Castle. My biggest gripe would also be that a majority of the film was just too cheesy. However, I loved that this was the first one to include one of Punisher's only friends, Micro. I feel maybe my expectations were just too high for so long hearing about this flick forthcoming, so I was a bit let down. Still, it's a great imagining, and has some very good redeeming qualities.  

   In summation, I feel as though none of the films have got it perfect, or hit most details right on the head; The perfect amount of gore/darkness, with the perfect amount of great acting/story development. Which is good for us, because that will hopefully guarantee more films in the future. I feel as though it's inevitable with such a great character as the Punisher. Imagine the possibilities.
   Looks like that about sums it up, I guess. Damn, now I want to watch them all back to back, realizing I've never done that. Epic fail for a huge Punisher fan. I mean, my rap moniker is CAStLE for crying out loud. Whoops! I thank you for reading this garble, as I love and immensely enjoy writing and putting it all together. Let me know of any disagreements you have, or errors I might have made. Until next time, peoples!

"Five Legitimate Reasons Why PUNISHER Is Better Than BATMAN"

  First and foremost, I'm just going to speak my mind right now and give you references and opinions, which you may or may not agree with. The explanation is here, and if you have any gripes with it, you can take it up with me personally, or not. I'll still continue to believe in this until the day I'm proven wrong, or lose interest. So here's five quick reasons why the Punisher is better, at least in my eyes, than the Batman.

#1 - HIS REALITY:

  Nobody ever acknowledges how bitter and beautiful the Punisher's reality is. Frank Castle goes into every war, every battle, every endeavour WANTING TO DIE. The irony is that that mindstate gives him the fearlessness and the fortitude, providing him with the tenacity and bravery that's needed to accomplish the majority of his missions.

Do you understand that? He wants to die; he hasn't cared about living since his family was taken from him and his life ended. The fact that he still exists is a disappointment, and justice for criminals is a meager occupation of his time.

#2 - HE'S NOT A RICH BOY.

  He wasn't born into riches like Bruce Wayne. He doesn't have every expense at his fingertips and technology and funding isn't at his disposal. Whatever Frank Castle accumulates, he gets from his own worthless skirmishes. He's sustains on his own accord.

#3 - HE DOESN'T HAVE SOCIETY, AND SEVERAL FRIENDS.HELPING HIM.

  Batman has a countless amount of adversaries, from Comissioner Gordon, to the Oracle, to Alfred, to the whole God damn Justice League. Punisher relies on information he hears second hand from the police force, and untrustworthy criminals and miscreants. He gets his hands dirty in the streets, not gathering information in a million dollar fortified fortress, like Batman. The only help Punisher ever accumulates is from his sometimes helper Micro, and forcing information out of other wimpy superheros and villains. Nobody wants to help him, or volunteers their help, as opposed to the caped crusader. He is alone, and will always be alone. He doesn't require help, nor does he need it.

#4 - HE HAS VERY LITTLE EMOTION.

  Several times Bruce Wayne will have to make a life or death decision, or have to rescue a family, or save the day; Punisher is realistic and sticks to his own. He views the world as scum; a disgusting, primordial soup of criminals and undesirables, and also believes the majority of humanity is inherently evil and untrustworthy. This realistic view grants him less disappointments and mistakes. 

(Sidenote: All this while being just as good a detective and mastermind as Batman.)

#5 - HE HAS ABSOLUTLEY NO PROBLEM WITH KILLING SOMEONE.

  This might be one of the most important. Where as Batman seemingly always has to deal with the Joker or his regular villians, because his only option is to put them in the Arkham Asylum, or jail, Punisher, when given any opportunity, will execute any foe, on the spot. Bruce Wayne doesn't believe in killing, or the use of guns. Mr. Frank Castle does, and to say that he's technically advanced in every imaginable weapon, is an understatement. Hence the title, "The Punisher." If you're guilty, your punishment will suffice. If you're guilty, and run into Batman, well, you'll be behind bars.

Anyways, this is just something I felt like posting while I had a spare few minutes. Plus, I never update this damn Blogspot, which is wack. I should do more of these. Moreover, I probably left some stuff out. Oh well..

Thanks to anyone who read.

"Killing is my business, and business is good." - Punisher

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4