Ghost Rider Movie Review
I went into this movie with medium high expectations even though it is being panned by critics everywhere. I know im in the minority but I thought Mark Steven Johnson's Daredevil especially the directors cut is one of the better super hero movies. Easily better than the Xmen abominations. So I went into this with an open mind but when I left my mind was closed and about to doze off. What is the #1 thing people look for in a comic book superhero movie? My best guess would be action. It doesnt have to have a lot of action in the first introduction movie of the series but it does have to have at least quality action. Ghost Rider fails miserably on both fronts.
The first 45 minutes or so was solid, I actually liked the story ok and of course Donal Logue (Tao of Steve, Grounded for Life) was his usual funny self, but once Johnny Blaze turned to the Ghost Rider it went down hill from there. The special effects for Ghost Rider and his bike were solid but the effects on some of the villians were a little shody. None of that bothered me though like the lame action did. Ghost Rider seriously defeated the 3 subvillians within seconds and there was no actual fight choreography or anything cool or unique with the action.
If you dont know by now Ghost Rider is about a guy who makes a deal with the Devil to make his dad healthy in return for his soul. He basically turns into an assassin for the Devil. He is finally summoned by the Devil to his full power to help fight against the Devils son Blackheart (Wes Bentley) who is trying to double cross daddy Satan.
Nick Cage did an ok job as Johnny Blaze even though he was too old for the role. Eva Mendes did an adequate job as the hottie love interest, even thought the love angle wasnt explored enough and there was very little chemistry between the two. Sam Elliott was well, Sam Elliott. He could read the ingredient contents on a package of tofu and it still would be interesting.
The movie score was so bad i cant even recall a single note. If there is one thing about Marvel movie franchises that I have to complain about its definitely the soundtrack. I miss the days of the epic music ala Batman and Superman theme songs cuz now all we get is nondescript bland sounding soundtracks from every marvel franchise. The Hulk theme was interesting but still nothing extraordinary.
The last act of the movie couldnt get through soon enough. I was utterly bored with the many Blackheart sucking the souls from people. The subvillians were elements like water, wind and earth and had the lamest designs. Did I mention the action sucked! They were beat faster than a 14 yr old alone in his room with a porno mag. Lets hope this is the end of this franchise and they can start a different superhero franchise thats more worthy.


trailer