Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

1

verboseFeb 21, 2012

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There are several reasons why I think this film failed spectacularly. I don't think that a soft reboot should ever include the main actor from the film that is being rebooted. It creates inconsistencies in the minds of the viewer that wouldn't be there if the actor had been replaced.

There were certainly some serious inconsistencies in Ghost Riders powers. He is knocked out by a grenade launcher, but when he is shot by a stinger missile, which is obviously much more powerful, he shrugs it off completely.

II think the actual appearance of Ghost Rider was pretty good, but in several fight sequences, he just kind of meanders around. I expected the Spirit of Vengeance to be brutal and he kind of played cat and mouse instead.

There are also far too many unneeded, flat plot devices, such as Cage losing the spirit, only to regain it 10 minutes later, the evil or misguided tattooed priests, and the angel randomly regaining sanity(A plot point that could have been really good if it hadn't been essentially a throwaway line in the film).

The quick synopsis is that this movie tried to fit too many plot points into the movie, and ended up developing none of them very well. I think this movie is far worse than the original Ghost Rider, and roughly equal with Punisher War Zone in the quality of a movie.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

All this user's reviews

10

pistolthorFeb 21, 2012

A lot of people think they know film. Or think films of great stature should be a certain way. Well they are wrong. This is one of the finest works of filmaking since Citizen Kane. I was entertained, thrilled and felt for the characters in aA lot of people think they know film. Or think films of great stature should be a certain way. Well they are wrong. This is one of the finest works of filmaking since Citizen Kane. I was entertained, thrilled and felt for the characters in a deep and suprising way. Not to mention the stunts and filmography of this film rank beyond most films of a similar nature. I look forward to seeing what both Nic Cage and the fine directors of this film and the equally splendid Crank have up their sleaves next. Bravo!… Expand

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

All this user's reviews

8

batlantern_87Feb 20, 2012

Much better than the first! I'm a huge fan of the character and an even bigger hater of the first Ghost Rider film. If you liked the first film then this one isn't for you. It's darker in tone and more visceral with the action. They take theMuch better than the first! I'm a huge fan of the character and an even bigger hater of the first Ghost Rider film. If you liked the first film then this one isn't for you. It's darker in tone and more visceral with the action. They take the character in a direction he should have gone from the beginning. It is a great action flick with plenty of eye candy special effects. With that being said it does have its flaws, it's just hard to do a movie with a guy that has a flaming head and not make it a little cheesy...It has some things that you will just find totally stupid, but that's OK because it has even more things that you will fine engaging and entertaining. Bottom line is Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance is a fun comic movie with Cage at his craziest that is sure to entertain you for 2 hours...Just don't go in looking for it to be The Godfather of comic book movies.… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

All this user's reviews

10

MrDadelusFeb 20, 2012

This movie deserves a solid ten. This is exactly what a Ghost Rider movie ought to be, dark, gritty and (no pun in tended) bare bones. the acting was solid the story was engaging, the special effects and stunts were phenomenal. NicholasThis movie deserves a solid ten. This is exactly what a Ghost Rider movie ought to be, dark, gritty and (no pun in tended) bare bones. the acting was solid the story was engaging, the special effects and stunts were phenomenal. Nicholas Cage is perfect as the formerly **** now alternately somber and manic Johnny Blaze.… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

All this user's reviews

3

txrangersfan72Feb 19, 2012

First, the good things. GRSOV is better than its predecessor. This wasn't a sequel, it was a reboot. And with David Goyer writing, it was expected to be better. Graphically, GR looked much better. He was much more of a character in thisFirst, the good things. GRSOV is better than its predecessor. This wasn't a sequel, it was a reboot. And with David Goyer writing, it was expected to be better. Graphically, GR looked much better. He was much more of a character in this film. Nic Cage's Johnny Blaze was much better. I loved that they skimmed over the origin. It was very well done. The action sequences were also top notch. However, the bad is a mix of what is bad about film-making in general and the unmet expectations of comic book lovers for Marvel Knight characters in general. Ghost Rider is a pseudo interesting character to begin with. In theory, he should make a bad-ass film protagonist. In reality, he's great in action and graphically, but even Goyer's writing skills can't make him that interesting. Like the abysmal attempts at getting a good Punisher on film, the reality is, the Marvel Knights characters will never make interesting films as long as the focus is on the violent part of their characters rather than what makes them dark in the first place. So, in the long line of poor attempts, GRSOV ranks higher than Punisher: War Zone, Dolph Lundgren's Punisher and the original GR, but that's about it. I truly hope there isn't a third.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

All this user's reviews

1

avatar16Feb 19, 2012

Le pari Ã©tait-il vraiment de faire oublier le premier? De le valoriser plutÃ´t! Parce que lÃ , descendre bien plus bas Ã©tait impensable, surtout avec un scÃ©nariste potable et desLe pari Ã©tait-il vraiment de faire oublier le premier? De le valoriser plutÃ´t! Parce que lÃ , descendre bien plus bas Ã©tait impensable, surtout avec un scÃ©nariste potable et des cinÃ©astes dÃ©gÃ©nÃ©rÃ©s. Malheureusement, le problÃ¨me provient plus de la rÃ©alisation qu'autre chose (bon, il y a quand mÃªme un scÃ©nario lamentable et des acteurs nullissimes). Et pour cause, les frangins responsables d'Hypertension nous livre un trip insuivable! Avec une mise en scÃ¨ne (plans, montage...) abaissant le film au niveau d'un tÃ©lÃ©film de sÃ©rie Z, le Ghost Rider n'est pas prÃªt d'entrer dans le coeur des fans de Marvel. Franchement, avec un travail soignÃ©, cette suite aurait pu Ãªtre l'Ã©gal d'un Blade ou mÃªme monter au niveau d'un Hellboy. A croire que les rÃ©alisateurs se sont enflammÃ©s Ã vouloir Ã tout prix travailler avec Cage sans pour autant amuser le spectateur... Croyez-moi, en moins de 1h40, le premier film est devenu un chef-d'oeuvre!… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

3

brent_hankinsFeb 19, 2012

I honestly don't even know where to begin. After the brief snippet of footage that was screened at Comic Con 2011, I had a tremendous amount of faith in GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE. I'm a huge fan of the work that Mark Neveldine andI honestly don't even know where to begin. After the brief snippet of footage that was screened at Comic Con 2011, I had a tremendous amount of faith in GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE. I'm a huge fan of the work that Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor did with the CRANK films, and I thought their unorthodox style would benefit the GHOST RIDER franchise and result in a sequel that far surpassed its predecessor. Yeah, not so much. This film is a colossal disaster from start to finish, featuring a script that seems unfinished, characters that are barely established, and one of the absolute worst performances in Nicolas Cage's career. After a stylish animation sequence that establishes the character's origin, we find Johnny Blaze living in the Balkans for reasons that are never quite explained (this will become a recurring theme for nearly every major plot point in the film). An alcoholic priest named Moreau (Idris Elba with an inconsistent French accent) shows up on his doorstep and offers to lift the Ghost Rider curse in exchange for Blaze rescuing a young boy named Danny (Fergus Riordan) from the same demonic entity that purchased Blaze's soul, an entity that is now called Roarke rather than Mephistopheles and is now played by Ciarin Hinds rather than Peter Fonda. Blaze jumps on his bike and takes off, showing up just as our incredibly boring and non-threatening bad guy Carrigan (Johnny Whitworth) catches up with Danny and his Gypsy mother (Violante Placido). The Ghost Rider emerges and begins to lay waste to Carrigan's henchmen, turning them into piles of ash and terrifying the bejesus out of everyone - except Carrigan, who takes him out with a grenade launcher and disappears with the kid. The rest of the film is essentially one drawn-out chase sequence, punctuated by conveniently placed dialogue scenes where our characters try (and fail) to explain exactly what the hell is going on, amounting to nothing more than speed bumps on the road to Blaze's next transformation into his flaming skeletal alter-ego. To level the playing field, Roarke grants Carrigan some demonic powers of his own, leaving him with pale skin, a bad hair-metal wig, and the EXACT SAME ABILITIES as the first film's (far more interesting) villain, resulting in confrontations that feel boring, recycle, and unimaginative - because they are. Cage's manic, frenzied portrayal of Blaze feels nothing like the character he created in the first film, resulting in plenty of absurd, laughable moments as he shifts the insanity into overdrive, particularly in an interrogation scene where the Ghost Rider is "scraping at the DOOOOOOOR"and Blaze is trying desperately to hold him back. This performance is certainly the highlight of the film - unfortunately, it's for all the wrong reasons. While the new design of the Ghost Rider looks fantastic, featuring a charred skull and a leather jacket that bubbles and melts from the heat, the character feels like something from a cartoon, head tilted quizzically to one side as he contemplates his victims or giggling to himself as he turns a piece of construction equipment into a flaming instrument of death. Oh, and he pisses fire, of course. I'll give Neveldine and Taylor all the credit in the world for the adventurous and innovative method of filmmaking they developed on the CRANK films, but this style doesn't work here. GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE is poorly written, poorly edited, and poorly acted, and accomplishes nothing except to showcase that Neveldine and Taylor obviously have no idea what makes the character work. Make no mistake, this is the BATMAN AND ROBIN of the GHOST RIDER franchise, and everyone involved in this mess should be ashamed of themselves. www.nerdrep.com… Expand

6 of 9 users found this helpful63

All this user's reviews

4

seannnFeb 19, 2012

had high hopes from this one but part2 lets it down. part 1 was much better. Stroy misses the grip which part 1 had. The vfx are good (typical ghost rider style) but screenplay disappoints all.

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

All this user's reviews

1

julianreynaaFeb 19, 2012

There is no reason this movie should exist, no one asked for it and people want it to go away, you can very well tell Nickolas Cage is in it for the money, which is a shame.

11 of 16 users found this helpful115

All this user's reviews

4

InuyazeiahFeb 18, 2012

Honestly, the only thing I liked about this movie were the scenes where Ghost Rider actually came out in. Notice the key word, actually, since he didn't even make that many appearances in it. When he didn't come out, I was falling asleep inHonestly, the only thing I liked about this movie were the scenes where Ghost Rider actually came out in. Notice the key word, actually, since he didn't even make that many appearances in it. When he didn't come out, I was falling asleep in the theater, just waiting for Ghost Rider to come out to wake me back up. Im not one of the people who disliked the first film, I liked it, but I didn't like this one. The ending, I dont even consider it a spoiler since its so predictable, hell, even the final battle was boring as hell. This is the epic ending (I don't consider it spoilers since its this simple but if you think it does, don't read beyond this: "Did we do it?" "Hell Yes". Ghost Rider rides. The end.… Expand

11 of 16 users found this helpful115

All this user's reviews

1

JakMcKratos619Feb 18, 2012

So. Just made an account to review this movie blah blah..I KNOW IM SO ORIGINAL. But this movie is so terrible that I have to warn you people. From the lackluster action sequences where all Ghost Rider has to do to defeat his foes is swing hisSo. Just made an account to review this movie blah blah..I KNOW IM SO ORIGINAL. But this movie is so terrible that I have to warn you people. From the lackluster action sequences where all Ghost Rider has to do to defeat his foes is swing his chains to Nicholas Cage's simply loony acting this movie truly offers nothing to us. I am a huge superhero movie fan and slightly enjoyed Ghost Rider 1. DONT EXPECT THEM TO MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT THE PREVIOUS MOVIE. Except for the fact it's Nicholas Cage, there is no connection. THis movie's story is a consistent set of plotholes so gaping and awkward that the extreme nerd on you is going to cry blood. Nothing after the credits. The visuals in this movie would be GREAT for a grad student's portfolio reel but the times they selected to use the over-the-top imagery are ill-fitting. Maybe it's because ghost-rider himself is a crappy hero to have a movie about but if this movie was a kitten I would not pet it.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

All this user's reviews

0

GCMANINDAHOODFeb 18, 2012

I really don't know what to say exept don't go watch this movie unless your a brainless, low IQ, action junky because this movie is laughable at best, the stupid gags and extremely mediocre fightig scenes, and a movie which drags itself toI really don't know what to say exept don't go watch this movie unless your a brainless, low IQ, action junky because this movie is laughable at best, the stupid gags and extremely mediocre fightig scenes, and a movie which drags itself to it's own long awaited ending. And reallY I've seen better camera work in my Video Production class than in this movie, this movie is an I'll conceived failed abortion, don't give these guys their money, DON'T GO WATCH IT!… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

All this user's reviews

10

NEEBONDFeb 18, 2012

This movie is completely filled with awesome action adventure full off smashing action and the super cool but too hot hero the ghost rider and his stunning bike are the charm of the movie. Go for it!

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

All this user's reviews

10

ROCKBONDFeb 18, 2012

All those who gave below 5 rating are fools because this is a pure desi kick-ass action and guys who is the hero our own GHOST RIDER. This film includes much more action the before so if you like ghost rider don't miss this one. BecauseAll those who gave below 5 rating are fools because this is a pure desi kick-ass action and guys who is the hero our own GHOST RIDER. This film includes much more action the before so if you like ghost rider don't miss this one. Because action doesn't needs a story action creates story. So all the evil baddy living things hide away if you can otherwise fear is coming which will burn you into ashes (Fear is the vengeance of GHOST RIDER). "Look into my eyes".… Expand

3 of 16 users found this helpful313

All this user's reviews

10

momomesh-chFeb 18, 2012

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is crazy. One of the most visually interesting movies I've ever seen. I liked it. 10/10

What you should know about this film before going to see. 1. The action never stops. It's a bit like Conan or VanGhost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is crazy. One of the most visually interesting movies I've ever seen. I liked it. 10/10

What you should know about this film before going to see.

1. The action never stops. It's a bit like Conan or Van Helsing, in that, but - here - there's also a story told to be and all the action is part of the story. If no permit is what makes movies like Conan or Van Helsing so disappointing.

2. This film is visually interesting. When the camera points at a wall, the wall is interesting. When the camera focuses on a field in a street, there are interesting things to do with it. When the characters are standing around talking, they make a nice place. Always. And then there are the special effects. GR looks awesome. And then there's the question ... split screen options ... the animation ... Everything that appears, history, and - more or less - not used again.

3. The story is simple, strong, and never stops. The story immediately establishes who is the villain, which is the bad guy wants, and why good stop. And that's all. If you can not go beyond the first five minutes, and are willing to accept that A, B and C are (and why they do what they do), then the rest is just fun to see them fight. And it's fun.

4. It's great. As a big fan of the whole life of Ghost Rider, I love the comic book in 1970, I come to this film with certain expectations. Above all: genetic resources must be cold / rough / awesome / etc. And in this film ... that is. Sometimes the servants are standing around with their jaws hanging, wondering: "What is ****? And that's what I expected to see.

5. It's an action movie first. And a. Superhero / supernatural film, the second Remove the foolish things, and you have a level of a film to action B. Hero-with-one-last-Slick faces evil to save the innocent. Even with all that icing on top sexy, the film has a keen sense of what it really is. And all the best for him.

6. Nicolas Cage is a pleasure. And it looks like he has fun. Cage scene and eats all the hits (with the exception of Idris Elba), off the screen. There are some scenes are a hoot. And you just want to see them again and again. It's fun. More: it's funny. Cheeky fun.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is crazy. One of the most visually interesting movies I've ever seen. I liked it. 10/10

watch here www.momomesh.ch… Expand

8 of 27 users found this helpful819

All this user's reviews

2

FDT44Feb 17, 2012

There simply is no excuse as to how a film involving a fiery skeleton perched atop a zooming motorcycle, infalliably flagellating its victims at will with a diabolic chain could possibly be stodgy: enter "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance."There simply is no excuse as to how a film involving a fiery skeleton perched atop a zooming motorcycle, infalliably flagellating its victims at will with a diabolic chain could possibly be stodgy: enter "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance." It's easier than one would think. However, it does enlighten: at last affirming Cage's increasingly outright indifference to acting, as well as the audience's mental and emotion hygiene; he simply doesn't care. Instead, we the viewer, are constrained to a seat in our very own self-inflicted hell, with what might end up being the longest 95 minutes without a single firing of a cerebral neuron; just a catatonic blah of lifelessness. How, so? "I'll make it quick" (something that should have been said in compensation for witnessing the utter agony). What we have here is a poorly written, excessively-stylized and unevenly produced CGI action-flick that resorts to its overdone flash, in an attempt to mask what can't be hidden: plot-hole-ridden filth of production value. The camerawork longs for your attention, but all the more does its hammy display of predictable and lily-livered characters fit the bill for targets of camp delight and mockery in years to come. Moreover, "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" is a "depressingly" satisfying cult-classic-to-be that is far too fun to mock than to hate, and you won't be alone; Cage will be laughing with you all the way through, albeit inside. He knows he is starring in a C-movie, and he's damn proud of it too. Thumbs up to the money-raking, "joke's on you," Nic Cage; he's done it again...… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

All this user's reviews

0

EPIXMAN15Feb 17, 2012

A severely misguided film with a terrible plot, terrible dialogue, flat characters, no development, and I'm all just a loud and mediocre mess that will literally bore you to death. Nicolas Cage's performance has never been worse. This movieA severely misguided film with a terrible plot, terrible dialogue, flat characters, no development, and I'm all just a loud and mediocre mess that will literally bore you to death. Nicolas Cage's performance has never been worse. This movie was 50x as bad as the first which I believe was an ok film, but I honestly think the purpose of this movie was to make a quick buck.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

All this user's reviews

2

ReviewCriticFeb 17, 2012

This movie has OK special effects, bad dialogue, bad acting, and a bad storyline. Spirit of Vengeance fails!

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

All this user's reviews

0

MRedzuanFeb 17, 2012

I don't know whether to laugh or cry watching Ghost Rider. Camera work is so sloppy, handheld camera movies are more steady than this. Dialogue is equally laughable, the forced humor makes me wanna cry, character development is anI don't know whether to laugh or cry watching Ghost Rider. Camera work is so sloppy, handheld camera movies are more steady than this. Dialogue is equally laughable, the forced humor makes me wanna cry, character development is an afterthought, the plot is so amazingly predictable. Remember the names Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, make a note to never watch any of their movies in the future. The only good scene was where we got a glimpse of the crazy Nic Cage that I love in an interrogation scene. Skip this drivel and go watch Chronicle.… Expand

8 of 14 users found this helpful86

All this user's reviews

1

ShahalimFeb 17, 2012

The first Ghost Rider was just okay, with awkward CGI, but it got the 'feel' right (to a certain extent). Spirit of Vengeance has better CGI, and that's the only thing I could think of about this sequel. It's always ironic that Nic Cage is aThe first Ghost Rider was just okay, with awkward CGI, but it got the 'feel' right (to a certain extent). Spirit of Vengeance has better CGI, and that's the only thing I could think of about this sequel. It's always ironic that Nic Cage is a self confessed Ghost Rider fan, when he single handedly makes Ghost Rider less scarier than a chihuahua in a tutu. Pointless story, characters that I could care less, and the lamest version of the 'Devil' ever. Sh*t, Ray Wise makes for a much cooler Devil. And does Nic Cage has his own deal with the devil? To overact in every movie? Avoid and catch it on cable.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

All this user's reviews

3

Boozerx7Feb 17, 2012

This is so bad that its not even funny. Lame, poor script and dialogue, flawed logic, terrible acting from the cast, bad CCIs, super cliche. I dont even think there's anything positive from this film. hopefully they are not planning a trilogy.

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

All this user's reviews

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

User Reviews