looks cool in the trailers, but emerges dull”
Blazing promos don’t necessarily translate into a memorable film - something that holds true for this long delayed super hero production. Problem lays in the scripting and pacing department - a blame that can be squarely laid at director Mark Steven Johnson’s feet, whose previous work, DAREDEVIL, didn’t exactly set the box office on fire.
Johnny Blaze, a teenage stunt rider, unwittingly trades off his soul to the devil to save his cancer-stricken father. Though cured, father is still snatched away by the reaper in a stunt gone awry. If that isn’t heart breaking enough, young Johnny also misses out on the love of his life Roxanne, who shuttles away to another city.
Many years later, Johnny Blaze is a death defying (literally) stunt rider whose reputation borders on legendary. Re-enter Roxanne, as a reporter who wishes to interview him, and in the process rekindles old flames. To put a damper on all the fun, Devil has a mutiny on his hands from his son Blackheart, who wants to bring in the end of days a bit earlier than expected and dethrone his father. So, the fiery old bugger calls upon Blaze to be his bounty hunter, the Ghost Rider, and send Blackheart and his cronies back to Hellsville. GR also has to deliver the San Veganza contract which gives huge power to whosoever owns it.
In between all this, a cemetary caretaker seems to know a lot about Blaze’s dilemma, and offers some clues and useful hints about being a Ghost Rider. The old flame or being inflamed - what will Johnny choose?
As the titutal character, Nic Cage simply doesn’t cut it as the Ghost Rider, because it requires an over-the-top scenery chewing performance which the talented actor fails to deliver - this role was meant for the likes of Colin Farrell. But to be fair to Cage, he tries hard enough.
Eva Mendes as his love interest Roxanne, provides oomph and has nothing else to do except look good in figure hugging low-cut dresses.
Wes Bentley is god awful as Blackheart, and his cronies steal away his thunder - especially the earthy demon.
The only ones to register impact - Peter Fonda as Mephistopheles and Sam Elliott as the care taker. Peter Fonda was an unusual choice to play the devil, but he does it admirably - with a special mention to his intimdating low-key grunt. Sam Elliott on the other hand is a charismatic actor, whose presence is welcome in any drabby affair.
Pros - For the less discerning crowd, Eva Mendes’ attractive racks and the SFX laden action set pieces should be a rewarding experience. Some funny sequences have their moments.
Cons - The SFX has been inadequately rendered (its quite obvious that the flames are CGI).
Major flaws in screenwriting department (handled by MSJ himself) should have been handled by executive producer David S. Goyer, who knows a thing or two about grim super heroes.
Verdict - This flambe is not so hot.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for horror violence and disturbing images.
CAST: Nicolas Cage, Wes Bentley, Eva Mendes, Peter Fonda
DIRECTOR: Mark Steven Johnson
