Review of Ghost Rider (2007) by Kyle M — 06 Aug 2015

Spoiler filled review.

From the opening sequence you know that you are going to get a Motorcycle Cowboy flick. That Genre style is something I think they nailed. Hell, they created the whole story around it. They changed the origin a bit by skipping the whole adoptive family (Roxanneâ(TM)s family) and brought Barton Blaze straight into the mix. Dying of cancer no doubt. Side note: It was Roxanneâ(TM)s father (Crash Simpson) that had the cancer. I could probably write another couple pageâ(TM)s talking about what Mark Steven Johnson left out in terms of source material so, letâ(TM)s just move on to the review. Peter Fonda plays Mephisto aka The Devil. Peter Fonda adds credibility to a motorcycle Cowboy flick due to his role in Easy Rider? Sure he does. I loved Sam Elliotâ(TM)s narration and the fact they brought Carter Slade (The original Ghost Rider) into the story. Without Carter Slade, Nicolas Cage would still be pointing at himself in a mirror somewhere. (Iâ(TM)m meaning that the character helps push along the storyline âÃ,¦ get it?) What about the main character? Johnny Blaze is played by the sometimes maniacal Nicholas Cage. In this vision of his character Blaze is a huge star in the stunt bike circuit. For some reason he has decided to channel Elvis Presley. Ok, Cage we know that you like Elvis. Donâ(TM)t taint my favorite Marvel character with your jellybeans & love for Karen Carpenter. Black Heart could have been so much more than the c-list villain he is. He played more like an âun-caringâ? Dark Heart instead of Black Heart. âÃ,¦ Look it up Care Bear. Although sucking people dry would be useful at times. He manages to assemble a couple f-list fallen angels Gressil, Wallow, Abigor to help in his fight for the contract of San Benganza. Actually they are so F-List that this is their first appearance in any type of media including comic books. Making up characterâ(TM)s when there is a plethora to choose from is a big no-no in my book Mr. Johnson. Eva Mendes as Roxanne Simpson? Iâ(TM)m still trying to understand how that happened. Her nervous âI loveyou but canâ(TM)t say itâ? act is horrible. At times itâ(TM)s like sheâ(TM)s still playing her character from Hitch. God sheâ(TM)s horrible! As for Ghost Rider? Probably the saving grace throughout this movie. I thought he was done well minus the stiff, Frankenstein moments. And I could have done without the âcrazy-cageâ?.

I wish Ghost Rider would have had more screen time. But when your competing for Nicolas Cage's facetime you will always lose. Badass Bike though. Loved the melting pavement bit.

Letâ(TM)s be clear here. The Penance Stare does not kill anyone. I donâ(TM)t think the director got that point across.

With all the things I disliked about this movie it all comes back to the simple fact that Itâ(TM)s Ghost Rider. And for that reason alone is what keeps me watching this movie. Ghost Rider on screenâÃ,¦ thatâ(TM)s whatâ(TM)s important. When you've grown up with a character and you finally get a movie with said character it really doesn't matter how bad or good it is. Just seeing that character in a movie is special enough. Oh, and seeing the Old GR riding with the new GR while playing âRiderâ(TM)s in the Skyâ? is a nice touch. I gotta go now, Nicolas Cage is pointing at me and itâ(TM)s freakinâ(TM) me out.

Comic Book Movie Plus: Nicholas Cage - Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Kick-Ass.