A rock solid story with very adult animation, that is sadly very old, and tired. The first half of the movie is quite a good story arc with good build up, though once it changes from just Punisher and Black Widow things just seem to be forced, yet no one is ever really good enough. How has animation as a medium not changed in the last 25 years except in the processing power, and rendering speeds? The animation, and most of the side characters in this movie could easily just be cut out, and placed into an older movie like Ghost in the shell, Bubblegum Crisis or any number of movies and shows that have come out in the past 25 years. The facial expressions , and over the top antics just seem like a bad culture clash that doesn't need to be there. I liked the parts of the movie which were spent in other countries, though do not understand why even if the majority of this movie is anime inspired (which is a good thing) do they not make America seem like America? You will understand better when you see it, but the style and mannerisms of the people in each country should be unique, and yet they all feel like a single country like the whole movie was filmed on a sound stage in Hong Kong, or Tokyo. A real plus that you have to give to the movie is that it does look better than the poster. There is no shortage of collateral damage throughout as these superhero battles are wont to leave, and this is Punisher so expect more death than you have seen before in any Marvel movie also there is full frontal male nudity in this one like Dr. Manhatan, only not blue. This is a very Enjoyable movie which I can not help but recommend, and I know I ranted a bit, but you may be getting just as tired as I am with the same same, and like it when things get a bit fresh. Other than the violence level (and this is actually still tame compared to real anime) there is not a lot here that is new.
Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher
(2014 Video)
Adult action with very old school animation.
23 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers