The red-band trailer for "Punisher: War Zone" had barely debuted online, its level of violence marveled over, before it, like everything else associated with the film, became the subject of rumors and controversy. Word had it that Lionsgate wanted to tone down the film for a PG-13 rating in order to sell more tickets to the under 17 set -- and that the push for a kinder, gentler Punisher was one of the reasons (and perhaps the reason) director Lexi Alexander was no longer associated with the movie.
Well, at least one rumor is put to rest. The MPAA has slapped a big "R" rating on the film for "pervasive strong brutal violence, language and some drug use." So, regardless of what else might be wrong with the film, one thing is certain -- we still get to see a thug die by getting a chair leg through the eye!
So, if Alexander's violence is safe, does this mean she's still associated with the film? Her official blog remains silent. No one else associated with the movie has spoken since cinematographer Steve Gainer, who dismissed the rumors as nothing but jealous speculation. Insiders have claimed that all the ugly whispering was nothing but a publicity stunt -- and we all know nothing sells tickets faster than suggesting your comic book film is a complete mess.
Whatever the story is behind the scenes, at least you can look forward to spraying bullets and exploding heads this Christmas.
Despite all the speculation, is the news of an "R" rating enough to convince you to part with your holiday cash?
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