Despite it's own problems, I think I really like this film

Rating: 7/10 (16 July 2012)

A friend of mine showed this to me on DVD at school a few days ago and at first, I wasn't very interested, but since this is one of the few superhero movies I've recently seen, I thought, "Oh, well. Might as well give this a shot." and watched it with little expectations. A few minutes later, when I see the Ghost Rider started appearing for the first time, I was left speechless, but in terms of story in narrative forms, I don't think that this is a masterpiece of superhero films, although I do think that this is a very good movie.
I understand all the criticism it had when it first came out in theaters and I'll admit that the dialog is pretty silly along with it's inept script containing it's schmaltzy moments, but in my opinion, I liked this for what it was.
I like the music from Christopher Young. His blend of Gothic and western themes along with some guitar pieces fitted well for the film. The CGI effects, although below par, are at least decent with some neatly detailed look of the Ghost Rider and his awesome bike. The action is also pretty cool too with Ghost Rider killing his enemies, but I think the acting steals the show. Sam Elliot did great with his role, Eva Mendes did very well as the lead role's love interest and Peter Fonda did a decent job as Mephisto. Now, I don't hate Nicolas Cage as much, but I personally think that he was miscasted as the leading role. I think a much better actor (like Jake Gyllenhaal, perhaps?) would have fitted the role. Wes Bentley, however, is uninteresting as the villain due to his lack of emotion.
OK, I know you guys are going to hate me for this, but... I really like the story. Now, I never read the comics this was based on, but I think that it's really faithful to the spirit and tone despite it's disappointing ending (which was the only problem that I do have with the plot) and has some nice visuals; not to mention it has great cinematography. The editing however, is rather choppy at times.
So, is Ghost Rider's a masterpiece? Not exactly. Is it as bad as the critics and others say it is. Not quite. Like I said, I understand the criticism it had in a superhero movie, but that kind of hatred goes to Batman & Robin and Steel (those were terrible superhero movies). So, overall, not great, but I liked it for what it was and it's a faithful adaptation of the comics I never read.