Ghost Rider

[DotTheEyes]

View the trailer...

An entertaining superhero film and the promising start of a new film franchise. Ghost Rider, out on DVD, stars Nicolas Cage as a motorcycle stunt rider who, as a teenager, sold his soul to the devil to save the life of his father. Now, at night and in the presence of evil, he transforms into a supernatural entity known only as the Ghost Rider, a fiery, cycle-riding skeleton and the netherworld's top bounty hunter. But can this curse be used for good instead of evil?

Completely unpretentious, this film has a sense of humor and is never so serious as to lapse into self-parody. This is reflected in the performance delivered by Nicolas Cage, who's clearly enjoying himself. Instead of playing the expected hardcore loose cannon, he creates a charming, eccentric character who eats jelly beans out of a martini glass and listens to The Carpenters. This renders his eventual transformation into the monstrous, unforgiving Ghost Rider even more powerful. The supporting cast lends unblemished support, though I was disappointed Peter Fonda, the Easy Rider veteran, never rode one of the film's many cycles.

The action sequences are marvelous, especially the stylized visual effects. The almost-omnipresent flames aren't photorealistic, but they are very cool, and the scene of the anti-hero riding up the side of a building and then confronting a helicopter on the roof had the sold-out audience cheering. I do wish, however, the confrontations between Ghost Rider and the main antagonist's henchmen, goth demons representing different elements (earth, water, and wind), had been longer. Each is dispatched with seeming ease.

Overall, this isn't the award-worthy epic Batman Begins and Superman Returns were. It's more on level with the Blade franchise. Nothing profound or moving, but very entertaining and fast-paced. If you're into this type of film, don't miss the Ghost Rider in action!

My son and I enjoyed this movie Friday evening. Very entertaining.

[DotTheEyes]

Ghost Rider's out on DVD now in an extended edition which is ten minutes longer.

Originally Posted by DotTheEyes

Ghost Rider's out on DVD now in an extended edition which is ten minutes longer.

That is the edition that I bought.

Just watched it with my kids. My 8 yr. old buried his face in my chest within the first half hour. He got sent upstairs with dad. But we thoroughly enjoyed the movie! I especially enjoyed the scene where Nick Cage had his shirt off! No pun intended! Pretty darn good movie! The Mousebaby family gives it at least 3 's up!