Review - Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider is a fantasy/action-adventure based on the Marvel Comic title "Ghost Rider". The film centers around Johnny Blaze, who in the beginning of the movie is a teenager, working alongside his father (a motorcycle stuntman in a carnival). His father is dying of cancer...and one dark and stormy night, Johnny is visited by a mysterious stranger with an offer: He will cure Johnny's father...in exchange for Johnny's soul. The young man agrees...and while the stranger keeps his word, curing the cancer...Johnny's father is killed in a motorcycle crash. Fast forward into the present, and Johnny Blaze is now a premier stunt rider himself. But something about him is haunted...and one night, in the presence of evil...he transforms into Ghost Rider, a flaming skeletal figure dressed in black leather, riding a motorcycle with burning tires. The plot revolves around BlackHeart (the son of Mephistopheles, the Devil himself), who wishes to overthrow his father as the ruler of Hell.
Movies based on Marvel Comics seem to go one way or the other...they are either spectacular or they are absolutely terrible. Thankfully, this one goes in the spectacular category. Ghost Rider is not one of the more well-known of Marvel's characters...but his back story and abilities (not to mention appearance) make him one of the most unique and fascinating. In a way, it is Ghost Rider's relatively unknown status as a comic book character that makes this film work so well. In some cases, you have to be a major fan of the comic before you can appreciate the movie. In this movie...you can just enjoy it for what it is.
Anyone who likes a good supernatural thriller, action movie, or are a fan of the Rider...this is a great ride!
Starring - Nicholas Cage, Eva Mendes, Peter Fonda, and Wes Bentley. Directed by Mark Steven Johnson.
Time - 1 hour, 54 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Action violence, disturbing images, some language)