Frank Castle, better known as The Punisher, hits movie screens (again) this Friday in the film “Punisher: War Zone.” But he’s not the best screen vigilante to ever grace the silver screen, not by a long shot.
These five vigilantes dished out a better brand of punishment.
- Dirty Harry: And you thought he was simply a primo movie blogger. Clint Eastwood’s iconic antihero set the gold standard for breaking the law – and breaking the bad guys down to size.
- David Sumner (“Straw Dogs”): A key reason Dustin Hoffman makes such a great vigilante is that he doesn’t look the part. He’s a nebbishy math geek who could be overwhelmed by a Girl Scout on the wrong day. Instead, he finds an inner rage to help him fight back against some local miscreants. (note: imdb.com hints that a remake may be on the way)
- The Bride (“Kill Bill Vol. 2): Yes, Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” features are wildly uneven, with the second chapter outperforming the first. But few people deliver justice like The Bride does.
- Paul Kersey (The “Death Wish” films): The obvious choice for two reasons. Charles Bronson became synonymous with the term vigilante thanks to his five “Death Wish” films, and even though each sequel got progressively worse you marveled at how the aging actor could still bring the neighborhood toughs to their knees.
- Creasy (“Man on Fire”): Denzel Washington epitomizes class and righteousness on screen, so to watch him go off the rails as he does here is a cinematic event. His affectionate bond with co-star Dakota Fanning cinched the deal for me.
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Christian-
you forgot the best vigilante in film history the woman from the exploitation classic ‘I Spit on your grave’ i can’t remember the characters name but that film is pretty intense.
That’s a blast from the past … and it sure may qualify but my memory of the film is a bit blurry. Need to rent it anew. Any film with a title that great should be in my collection, though!
I haven’t seen the Denzel Washington Man on Fire, but what do you think about the Scott Glenn version?
Always have to go with Dirty Harry, in film and online. One that made a huge impression on me was Jean Reno in “The Professional.” I don’t know if he really qualifies, since he started as a hitman, turned avenger of Natalie Portman’s family – but he first came to mind. Since I am a big fan of the happy ending, that one was suckage of the first order (although in fit in well with the tone of the movie – he only needed about two more steps!!!) and I have never like Gary Oldman since.
Side note: this movie is now called Leon at IMDB. Anyone know the name was changed?
Not familiar with that Glenn film … do you recommend it?
It’s an interesting film. I don’t love it, but it’s definitely worth watching. It’s the kind of movie which you like, but at the same time it’s flawed enough that you can see the value of a remake. I understand that the newer version has a different ending, so I’d be interested to see exactly what they’ve done with it.
I love Danzel in “Man on Fire.” Great movie! When he tapes that guy to the car under the bridge… wow. For those who missed that movie, rent it!!!
Another vigilante movie I liked, though it reviewed rather poorly, was”The Brave One.” I thought Jodi Foster was superb in this movie.
I wouldn’t have thought to put David Sumner from “Straw Dogs,” even though I think it is a great film. The mixed reviews of the film overlook so much of what makes it so interesting. I am sure Peckinpah was trying to make some kind of statement regarding the state of the nation at that time. Sumner’s leaving the USA to get away from the violence, the upheaval, etc is essentially a denial of reality: there are terrible things that need to be dealt with. And there is an essential element to humanity–a primal selfishness that may or not be evil–that cannot be placated or avoided.
Sumner is essentially a coward, running away from a fight. But, the fight comes nonetheless and when it does Sumner responds.
A year ago, I read that Rod Lurie was going to remake the film, which filled me with dread. He also had criticism about the smile on Susan George’s face as she is being raped. I didn’t think it was meant to say that she enjoyed being raped. It was meant to show the emasculation of David Sumner, for even while she is being raped, there is something primal provoked within the wife, that Sumner–all civility veering into cowardice–cannot provoke.
For all their savageness, the thugs are men, in Peckinpah’s eyes. Bad men, but men, nonetheless. Until Sumner takes them down, he is not a man.
The smile shows that.
I hope Lurie doesn’t remake it.
I just don’t think he gets the film.
“Straw Dogs” is a fascinating film for all the reasons you mentioned, David. And that moment where George smiles is truly complex, a flicker that reveals plenty about the darker side of humanity. Tough stuff … and I agree with your assessment of Lurie.
I had mixed emotions about “The Brave One,” although I expected it to backpedal about the need for vigilante actions, but the ending was far more conventional, and maybe even? conservative, than I expected.
I just really liked how she got back at those guys for stealing her dog…
Then you must rent “Red” – search for my review on this site. It’s all about getting even for the death of a good dog.
C ~ I can’t find it! Where’s it at? Can you link it? ~ H.
http://whatwouldtotowatch.com/2008/10/29/red/
Good flick … lame ending.
tink it is called Leon because that is the french translation. the dvd version that came out a few years ago the longer international cut says leon on the packaging
I don’t know about the Straw Dogs remake – but I do not understand why you think Rod Lure “doesn’t get” the film. Is it possible he will just have his own take?