As is, “Punisher” is pure grindhouse fare with more grunts and groans than dialogue; it’ll make you long for something with more meat on its bones.

[Bernthal] is so fully locked into this version of the Punisher, physically and emotionally, that even when the material tips into excess, he keeps it grounded.

Reinaldo Marcus Green and Jon Bernthal locate and explore Frank Castle’s essence in brutal, bloody and heartfelt fashion.

It’s to the benefit of the character that this is a standalone, character-driven short, with more freedom to tell its story.