Movie Review: Ghost Rider

In the great tradition of comic book turned action adventure movie, Marvel Studios brings us yet another foray into turning graphic pages into a visual venture full of special effects. Though efforts have been hit and miss in the past, it didn't stop writer and director Mark Steven Johnson from giving "Ghost Rider" its turn in the spotlight. While hardcore fans of the comic book may find the holes in the adaptation, "Ghost Rider" is an enjoyable movie for an easy night out.

As a stunt rider, Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) is torn between remaining in the family business with his father and running away with the girl he loves. After making a deal with the devil, his choice is made for him. He remains the stunt rider, famous beyond belief yet still lonely and seemingly riding the verge of a death wish with his dangerous stunts.

When the girl he loved comes back into his life, so too does the satanic deal he made years before with the return of Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda). As the devil's "rider," Blaze must defeat BlackHeart (Wes Bentley) and his gang of elemental demons while keeping them away from a sacred scroll that was buried centuries before. The reward? Blaze gets his soul back and his position as Ghost Rider reverts to someone else.

Nicolas Cage makes an interesting Blaze, going overdramatic in all the right places and pulling back when the role calls for it. Watching his first transformation into the fiery skulled Ghost Rider, it's easy to get wrapped up in the excitement while still feeling the slight touch of "cheese" unique to the genre of comic book movies. The action scenes are fun, and watching the Ghost Rider take out the bad guys with his fiery chain is cheer inspiring.

What doesn't work for this movie? Eva Mendes as Roxanne Simpson was too stiff, and there was a lack of chemistry between her character and Johnny Blaze. Though a few of her lines bring about a nice chuckle, watching this movie for the romance aspect isn't going to satisfy. Mendes's character might have a larger part in the comic books, but in the movie she is nothing more than a portal through which Johnny Blaze can become the "tragic hero." Funny man Donal Logue as Mack, the head member of Johnny Blaze's team, also comes across as dull. Luckily, Sam Elliot makes up for the lack of strength in the supporting cast as the caretaker turned mentor who helps Blaze understand his responsibilities as the Ghost Rider.

"Ghost Rider" also has a great soundtrack, with songs like "Crazy Train" and "Riders in the Sky" strategically placed so that good scenes are given even more excitement. If you're looking for a fun movie that doesn't take a lot of brains to figure out but manages to give you a few thrill shots, I recommend this movie. Though not likely to be up for an Oscar, it can make for a great night out.