Ghost Rider
Starring Nicholas Cage, Eva Mendez.
Some time during or directly after filming Ghost Rider, Nicholas Cage, who plays Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider in this mythic science-fiction action movie, reportedly got a tattoo as a souvenir of the role because he loved it so much. I'm glad someone above the age of 13 enjoyed themselves.
To be brutally honest, the best parts of the movie were Ghost Rider Senior's horse, Ghost Rider Junior's Bike, Roxanne Simpson's (Eva Mendez) choice of wardrobe, and one plot twist in the climax. I'm not sure if I could have seen it coming, I'd turned my brain off in preparation for the film (this isn't a shot at the film, it's just my resigned method of viewing action movies to try and enjoy what they intend: the sweet visuals).
Speaking of visuals, Ghost Rider had more than its fair share. Writer/director, Mark Steven Johnson (writer/director of Daredevil and producer of Elekra) spared no effort with respect to the sets, costumes, stunts and visual effects. As the movie's focus (just an educated guess, but I'd be shocked if the focus was otherwise), they did not disappoint. I expected the skulls motif to be silly and juvenile, but its presentation was impressive. I also enjoyed the growth and improvement of the character's costume and gear during the film as a representation of his developing skills and magic.
However, Ghost Rider was seriously lacking in plot and character development. I know that's not a surprise, but one can dream. Given the heavy use of wild-west legend, pseudo-Christian myth and vigilante angle, this movie could have delivered on cathartic and intellectual levels as well. There's so much material to draw on that there should have been no lack of twists and conflicting perspectives in the plot, as well as an involving discussion about good, evil and justice, and what entity gets to be judge. But, all that was obviously required was a flimsy reason for a damned, chain-wielding vigilante with a flaming skull riding a hell-spawned chopper on screen.
On the humanity side of things there was some serious wastage of potential as well. Blaze and Simpson's jinxed relationship and Blaze's compulsive approach to life could have been fuel for some touching additional drama to his hero role. As well, his daredevil production assistant, Mack (Donal logue), hinted at providing good humour, but his character's dialogue fell well short of the hilarious potential of Logue's talent.
To take a really strange metaphoric look at it, imagine this: walking through a planned village with some friends and all around you are bare foundations for residential and commercial structures. You've seen some examples of the architecture that inspired what the buildings could have been but construction has been halted. At the centre of town, though, is a really impressive public garden and fountain. You stand in appreciation of it for a few minutes, then get bored and wander back to your car. The best part about the outing turns out to be the chocolate shake at chocolaterie, Cocolat, afterwards.
If you like a sci-fi action flick that's easy on the brain and impressive to the eyes, you won't be disappointed. If you love those things AND want an engaging plot with interesting characters and a well developed back story/setting, alas my friends, we continue to wait. I prefer to leave this movie on the shelf, but I do wonder: did Nick Cage purchase any of the inevitable Ghost Rider toys, too?
William Brown
