Back in 2012, I reviewed the second Ghost Rider film, Spirit of Vengeance (here). Today I discuss the first- 2007's Ghost Rider.
Ghost Rider is an origin tale, telling how Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) made a deal with the devil to save his father from cancer. The devil heals his dad, only to kill him in an accident immediately thereafter. In return for Satan's "service," Blaze is obligated to become his bounty hunter, the Ghost Rider, and track down souls that escape hell. Satan eventually sends him after his son, Blackheart, who wants to unseat his father from the underworld throne. If the Rider can defeat Blackheart, Satan will set him free, and return him to 'normal.'
Ghost Rider is a movie abounding with poor dialogue, impressively bad theology, and so-so action/effects. Still, it has a few things going for it:
- a flaming skeleton on a motorcycle (always a plus)
- Sam Elliott as the Caretaker
- some music by Karen Carpenter
The movie failed to deliver on its potential (theological elements could have been interesting), certainly, but the above saves it from a failing grade. It's better than its 2012 sequel, but not by much.
Rating: C
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