I think most would agree that the original "Ghost Rider" movie is one of the worst super hero films ever created. The characters were flat and the action was slow, to say nothing about the terrible computer graphics. Directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor have challenged themselves to create a sequel that repairs the damage of the first film and refreshes the franchise. Aside from mentioning Johnny Blaze's (Nicolas Cage) deal with the devil that gave him his powers, this film barely references the first film at all.
If Johnny Blaze can learn to focus his power and prevent the devils son, Danny (Fergus Riordan), from becoming the antichrist, then a priest named Moreau (Idris Elba) will help him be free of his curse. Although his ultimate goal is to stop being the Rider, the film spends huge amounts of time on the origins of the Ghost Rider’s powers before Johnny Blaze got them. The end of the film answers most of the questions presented at the beginning, but the watered down plot is clearly just a vehicle to go from one battle to another.
The lack of a decent plot in an action movie is certainly nothing new, and it doesn't make it a bad movie. But any way you look at it, an action movie with a lack of cohesive action does. The majority of the film is cuts sporadically, following music video rules more than film. The method makes some moments thrilling while it makes others impossible to follow. Every scene feels unnecessarily tense, even when the group is just sitting down for lunch. The directors are constantly cutting to unique camera angles that add to the excitement, but also make it hard to tell what's happening.
The acting and script are equally unbalanced. Most of the characters are completely flat, but in a flat sort of movie like this, they tend to serve their purpose in the story. Danny feels more like a moving statue than a thirteen year old whose life has been turned upside down. He reacts without emotion and to easily accepts the bizarre changes in his life. Nicolas Cage‘s portrayal of Johnny Blazes is also hit or miss. In some moments, he's a man struggling against a very real darkness and in the next moment you'd think he escaped from a psyche ward. As an actor, he's made many characters come alive, but Johnny Blaze isn't one of them.
It's hard to write off "Spirit of Vengeance" as a completely terrible film. When it does things right, it does them well. The good action scenes are stunning, and many of the jokes will have you laughing out of your seat. The visuals aren't always perfect, but let's just say these guys know how to set stuff on fire. Whenever the Rider comes out and transforms some new vehicle into a flaming death machine, it’s gorgeous. Sadly, for every great joke or eye popping visual, there are two childish puns and incomprehensible battles to follow it.
"Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" is a child's interpretation of the comics. It focuses completely on visuals and has no story to make it worthwhile while it attempts to distract you by adding increasingly crazy set pieces. It sets itself apart from the first film and becomes a different experience, but manages to be equally bad in a different ways. Despite having some entertaining moments, this is one franchise that should be laid to rest for good.
1.5 "Flaming Skulls" out of 5
Written by Chris
Edited by Aaron
No comments:
Post a Comment