Not a bad movie...but could've been better

Rating: 6/10 (5 July 2007)

I had high hopes for Ghost Rider. I wanted to see it when it was first released in theaters. Every time I'd go to the movie theater to see a film they would show the previews for Ghost Rider and that made me want to see it even more. I couldn't wait for it to come out on DVD. I was so excited about seeing it when I rented it last week. Well, to my surprise, I was a little disappointed. The story basically involves a stunt-racer named Johnny Blaze, who at 17 years old, sold his soul to the Devil to save his father from dying of cancer, only to have his father die in a terrible accident a couple of weeks later. Then when Johnny becomes an adult, played by Nicolas Cage, his mission is to defeat Blackheart, the Devil's son. And when Johnny is in the presence of evil he turns into the Ghost Rider, a leather-clad skeleton with a flaming head and flaming bike. He is the Devil's bounty hunter.
I basically enjoyed this film. The flaming skull was cool and I got excited every time Nicolas Cage turned into the Ghost Rider. But I was disappointed in how little we saw the Ghost Rider. He became the Rider, what, three times? And the way he done away with Blackheart's posse were so uninteresting and unimaginative. I was disappointed in the Ghost Rider's voice. What was that? Was it supposed to be Linda Blair in the Exorcist? Because that's sure what it sounded like! It was so cheesy! I was disappointed in the character of Blackheart. Yes, he was creepy. He gave me chills. But Wes Bentley's acting was dull and lifeless. He delivered his lines with no finesse. And the way he killed somebody! It was so uncool. All he did was put his finger in someone and they turned to stone. And the victims didn't shake or anything! It was a major letdown. Especially when the Ghost Rider saved the woman from being attacked and he told the guy to "look into my eyes" and his eyes turned hollow and he passed out. Every time that happened it had to be some of the worst scenes in the movie. But what I was really disappointed in was Nicolas Cage's acting. He's a fine actor. I'm a fan of his. But he was not a good choice for the Ghost Rider. He was wooden and put no life into his character. He was dull and he mumbled his lines way too much. He is not superhero material. Eva Mendes was okay in what little she had to work with. And as I said before, Wes Bentley wasn't a good choice either for Blackheart. He didn't put much depth into his character. Plus, the CGI they used for this film made it look a little shabby and cheaply made. I know it wasn't' at all a cheap film, but I felt it looked that way.
But the things I did like about the film were the motorcycles stunts at the beginning when Johnny Blaze would jump over helicopters and semi trucks. I liked seeing the Ghost Rider ride on his motorcycle. I loved seeing Nicolas Cage turn into Ghost Rider. I loved the scene where the Ghost Rider grabbed the helicopter and said "you're pissing me off!" Yes, that was a little cheesy but it made me laugh. I loved the scene where the Ghost Rider touched his bike and then it changed. That was cool. And the fight sequence at the end between Blackheart and the Rider had some cool moments too; like when the Rider threw fireballs at Blackheart and the Rider's gun changed. But it was still a little disappointing.
Ghost Rider is not a bad film. But it had so many things wrong with it like I have mentioned above. For the most part, though, it is not a children's movie. Children who are younger than 12 or 13 should not see it. There are some extremely creepy parts that would probably give young children nightmares. And the Rider's voice alone might make them scared. Especially the final scene where all the souls are pouring into Blackheart and his face is demonic is definitely one of the creepiest parts. It even creeped me out and I'm 22! So please don't let your young children see this. It is very aimed at teenagers and adults. Anyway, I liked this film. I would own it. Not the best superhero movie ever made but it's still pretty fun to watch if you have nothing else to do. But if you're looking for a GOOD superhero movie, then pass this one up. You will be sorely disappointed. But it was still pretty good. Thanks for reading my review!