Visually Stunning

Rating: 8/10 (17 February 2007)

Having been a fan of Ghost Rider since the beginning in the 1970's, I was overjoyed that the movie was made. For me, just seeing the character come to full flaming glory on the screen was worthwhile. Like most movies derived from comics, the story is changed in ways that are both disappointing and interesting. While the changes clearly altered his comic origin, the heart of the story stays true to it. Where this movie lacks the most are the villains and the writing. The plot is fine, but the villains look like rejects from any of a dozen other movies. Wearing trench coats, and copping a bad attitude, they just aren't endearing or wickedly cool in the least. Ghost Rider has a good amount of screen time, but they don't have a lot of things for him to do. When he is in action, it's fun. The story links the old western Ghost Rider from the comics to the biker Ghost Rider. The writing definitely has some stupid elements, but I walked away pleased with the final product. Eva Mendes being in it is enough to rank the movie a 7. With all the other stunning visuals, I'll give it an 8.
See it in the theater. Buy the DVD. Two thumbs up.