A fun ride, aimed at tweenage boys, I suppose, but still enjoyable for most everyone

Rating: 7/10 (24 May 2007)

Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) has been a motorcycle stunt rider since childhood, having been trained by his stuntman father. However, when Johnny's father gets cancer, the devil himself (Peter Fonda) comes to make a deal with 18 year old Johnny. He'll cure dad of his cancer if Johnny will sign his soul over to him. Almost before he realizes what he has done, Johnny agrees. However, although Johnny's father is cured, he dies shortly after in a motorcycle accident. Johnny is heartbroken and leaves town, running away from his lovely girlfriend, Roxanne (Eva Mendes). But, the devil tells Johnny he will come for him when he is needed. Flash forward several years. Johnny Blaze is the greatest motorcycle stunt rider in the world, thrilling audiences everywhere, by jumping over helicopters, among other things. Roxanne, now a reporter, arrives to interview him and Johnny realizes he still loves her. Bad timing. The devil comes back to demand Johnny's services as a "ghost rider", a person who tracks down the bad guys and gives them a push toward their final destination, hell. Mestophiles also wants Johnny to battle his evil son Blackheart (Wes Bentley) and his gang. If Johnny can defeat Blackheart, the devil will give him back his soul. Whew, what a deal! Can Johnny summon the courage to take back his life? This is an exciting movie, based on a Marvel comic book hero. Cage, a very fine actor as evidenced by Adaptation and Matchstick Men, gives a nice turn as the troubled hero and he looks, well, very hot. Mendes, too, charms the audience with her stunning beauty and sweet demeanor. As the devil, Fonda strikes the right note while Bentley, who always looks creepy, poor guy, was made to order for his role as the devil's son. The look of the film is adequate, with mostly well-chosen costumes, interesting sets, and some nice visuals. However, one does get the feeling that some corners were cut in the special effects department, making the film look cheap when compared to a movie such as the original Batman. There are a few disturbing images, too, rendering the film unsuitable for those under 10. Yet, all in all, this is an exciting ride, especially for folks who love comic books and their superheroes. As an evening's entertainment, Ghost Rider delivers a big dose of thrills and chills.