Ghost Rider

Starring: Nicholas Cage, Eva Mendes, Sam Elliott, Peter Fonda, Wes Bentley, Matt Long, Donal Logue
Directed by: Mark Steven Johnson
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Thriller
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Motorcyclist Johnny Blaze (Nicholas Cage) was tricked into selling his soul to the devil (Peter Fonda) to save someone he loved. Now, when the love of his life (Eva Mendes) is back in his life, he is called into service to stop Blackheart (Wes Bentley).

Review:

Tim: This is a somewhat disappointing 2nd tier Marvel superhero film. I was never the biggest Ghost Rider fan, but I'm also a Marvel apologist. Although I probably liked this movie better than most people, I still have to admit that this is very often a silly, flawed movie. There are some very good things about this movie, but they are overshadowed by everything that is wrong with it.

What I liked are a few things. Ghost Rider does look pretty good on screen, and the special effects of Nicholas Cage's transformation are unforgettable. Some of the scenes of his hellcycle are impressive. Sam Elliott gives a good performance as Caretaker, although he has far too little to do and is mostly underused. Peter Fonda was an inspired choice to play Mephistopheles.

Nicholas Cage as Johnny Blaze is an interesting choice. I like the casting, and I like the performance except that Blaze is a little too weird of a hero. Whether it's his moron interview, drinking "jellies," or his cheesy exclamation when he gets a date with Eva Mendes. Cage is weakest here. Speaking of Mendes, she looks good, but has no chemistry with Cage and is mostly useless. Wes Bentley is far too over-the-top to be good.

Ghost Rider is thankfully not as terrible as it could have been, but not nearly as good as it could have been, but not nearly as good as it should have been. In the end, this is a deeply flawed film. I found enough to be somewhat entertained, but I also was disappointed.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Spider-Man, The Hulk, Daredevil, Fantastic Four