Perfect Capture of Characters

Rating: 9/10 (7 March 2007)

I'm a comic book fan. Ghost Rider is one which many collectors and readers found obscure in comparison to many, but it was always one of my personal favorites.
As such, I expected an effects-extravaganza, a good performance from Cage, and a barely palatable story line. You know...the usual.
Well, I'm happy to say that I got more than I bargained for with Ghost Rider. The effects were beautiful-lovingly done, and the performances by all involved were exemplary...that was no surprise; with a cast like Sam Elliott and Nicolas Cage, I would never expect anything less. But the STORY. THAT was what caught me by surprise.
You know, a comic book series-any comic book series-is constructed of a chronologically progressive story. Sure, there are prequels and spin-offs, flash-backs, flash-forwards, and even a few that flash sideways, but the base story line goes from beginning to end. Therefore, it has been difficult for many screenwriters, studio executives, directors, and producers to commit comic book lines to film. A few have done it successfully. Batman Begins, X-Men the Franchise, and Spiderman are about the best, in my opinion. I had serious issues with the new "Super-"man, but that's for another review.
In Ghost Rider, the story doesn't attempt to do too much, and thereby, does not contain the huge holes, missing chronological chunks, base characters, and/or supporting cast members. This story is about Johnny Blaze, what he was, and what he becomes.
It is also a beautiful homage to the idea of "Passing on the Torch," in its inclusion of the Sam Elliott character.
This movie was probably THE best comic book movie I've ever seen. It wasn't the flashiest. It didn't have the most KABOOM effects. It didn't give you the most kills, or the best splatter. This movie was a story-driven, graphically supported vehicle, which superbly entertains.
Beyond that, however, is the fact that the writers here have epitomized Ghost Rider's principal characters; Blackheart and Blaze. This demonstrates more than the embodiment of the heart and fire of these characters-it captured their essence.
My one gripe? Okay, I thought that Elliott should have ridden into the town with Cage. Okay, I said it.
I absolutely loved this movie, and cannot WAIT for another.
It rates an 8.9/10 from...
the Fiend :.