GHOST RIDER
PG-13
114 Minutes
Director:Mark Steven Johnson
Writers: Mark Steven Johnson (screenplay), Mark Steven Johnson (screen story)
Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Sam Elliott
Alright, let the festivities begin.
You didn’t do it for greed.
You did it for the right reason.
Maybe that puts God on your side.
Back in 2007, I heard about this movie. Mentally, all these wonderful possibilities filled my head. Those kids are well into their 30s by now; they can't play young teenagers anymore. Sam Jackson was Jamal's dad: it could be tough getting him back, unless he got paid to do it. Plus, the premise for the show was flimsy—at best.
But no, it's called Ghost Rider not Ghostwriter, this is a film about a biker superhero. We can't call him 'Hellboy', or 'Daredevil', those names are already taken. Johnny Blaze sold his soul to pay off his IRS debt save his dying father. Now, his alter-ego answers to Satan, he does odd jobs for him and whatnot.
Johnny, what if I could help your dad?
Yeah? How?
How is not important.
What if I could make him better. Give him back his health?
Would you be willing to make a deal?
Name your price.
I know what's like to be dead.
Peter Fonda, it took him almost 30 years, But he finally made another motorcycle movie. He plays the devil of the Marvel universe. I always thought he was burnt out, but lord of hellfire...maybe. This devil character seduces you, by tricking you into buying a Time-Life CD collection.
Whenever I’m around evil…
Evil people, evil spirits.
I change into…Just a great big monster,
but I am learning too. I’m getting control of it.
Nick Cage: the man who brings the art of the comb over to a whole new level. He rides around with a skull on fire, that’s more than enough. Don’t drive a custom chopper with flames painted on it. We get it already: your character is a doosh.
During the ‘serious parts, the same three guitar strings are plucked; over and over. Highway to Hell is not featured in this movie. I must give credit, where credit is due...bravo.
Sam Elliot: back in the day, badass shit seemed to follow him, wherever he went. These days Sam Elliot is only playing one guy: ‘Captain Voiceover’.
Stop it! Your giving me a boner.
Visually, this film does look good. It is just not a good movie. Additionally, Ghost Rider doesn't work on a literal level; but on a symbolic level, we see Nick Cage's descent into madness…and bankruptcy.
Sidenote: You're right, I am feeling generous today.