When the system fails, Frank Castle takes matters—and a whole lot of ammo—into his own hands. The Punisher (2004) delivers explosions, revenge, and enough brooding to last a lifetime. Thomas Jane brings the pain, John Travolta brings the overacting, and somewhere in between, there’s a popsicle torture scene we’re still trying to figure out. Is it the gritty revenge flick we needed, or just two hours of Castle frowning in a leather vest?

Let’s break it down, one bullet at a time.