“Ghost Rider” (Columbia Pictures)
Cage Goes Slumming In This Comic Book Adventure
Nicholas Cage used to have a career as a serious actor. He has won an Academy Award, and he has had more than his share of box office successes. Lately however he seems intent on destroying his career. Never has this been more apparent than in his choice to play the title role in the comic book caper “Ghost Rider.” It’s as deadly career-wise as Britney Spears’ shaving her head.
“Ghost Rider” is based on the popular Marvel Comic and maybe that was the draw. We all have heard how much Cage loves comic books and the characters found therein. He even named his son after a “Superman” character. But couldn’t Cage see that he is too old for the role, and that even if he weren’t it just isn’t something a serious actor should play.
In the film Cage plays Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle daredevil somewhat like Evel Knevel. When the teenage Johnny discovered his father (Brett Cullen) was suffering from cancer he sold his soul to the devil (Peter Fonda) in order for him to be cured. The devil did cure the cancer but let dear old dad take a deadly tumble riding his bike.
Now some twenty years later the devil comes after Johnny to do his bidding. He changes him into a monstrous bike-riding ghoul who has fire on his skeletal face and body. This transformation takes place at night.
Johnny’s true love Roxanne (Eva Mendes) comes back into Johnny’s life but he thinks his alter ego is dangerous for her to see so he tries to get her to stay away. He does allow help from a gravedigger called “The Caretaker” (Sam Elliott).
Johnny’s biggest foe is a son of the devil named “Blackheart” (Wes Bentley). He is dangerous for Johnny and also for Roxanne. He has an agenda that includes getting rid of the “Ghost Rider” and he will use Roxanne to do it.
The special effects in this movie are nothing special, and the acting goes from bad (Mendes) to worse (Cage). Plus the story is silly and not involving at all. The whole thing is just one goof up after another from Cage’s misguided participation to Elliott’s attempt to take it all seriously.
Mendes gets some laughs herself by trying to be a sexy but serious TV reporter who wears her blouses virtually open to the waist. She looks good but it isn’t a part of the role.
The movie is rated PG-13 for profanity and violence.
Marvel Comics may have had part in the making of this movie but “Ghost Rider” is not in the same entertainment league as “Spiderman.” They are worlds and audiences apart. “Ghost Rider” might have some immediate success but in the long run this movie has loser written all over it.
I scored “Ghost Rider” an ephemeral 4 out of 10.
