Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance Movie Review

A movie review for Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance starring Nicolas Cage and Idris Elba locally released by Warner Bros.

 

So did Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance fare better than the first movie which also starred Mr. Cage ?

Depends on who you're asking. If you ask me, this new romp on the big screen was fricking awesome. I can confidently say that this was better than the first movie. But that's just me.

There would be some people who would state that they would still stick to the first film which also starred Eva Mendes as Roxy, Johnny Blaze's long time girlfriend turned reporter. Yes, the same movie where GR faced off against four different elemental familiars called out by Mephisto.

The new movie does not drop what was established in the first film but just like what Marvel did with the film "The Incredible Hulk", the movie did go through some significant changes and minor tweaks thanks to the mad skillz of writer David S. Goyer. The director Mark Neveldine also made it sure that the movie straddles between a faithful sequel and a "soft reboot".That alone is worth something.

 The new cast members also bring added flavor and depth to the new movie. Idris Elba plays the role of the monk Moreau while gypsy-esque Violante Placido plays Nadja, the mother of the spawn of satan, Danny (who we all were assuming would be the second Ghost Rider, Danny Ketch or maybe just a throwback to Ketch with no relation whatsoever). The child Fergus Riordan had a bit of dryness towards his acting but that's pretty acceptable because the real star, Cage delivered a new and improved performance for his second take as cyclist Johnny Blaze.

 Visually speaking the new movie is also impressive. Whether you plan on watching the movie in 3D or in regular format, you should expect a bit of difference from the first movie. The production value has increased with some of the money shots involving a lot of battles and fights between the Rider and a new enemy in the form of Johnny Witworth who plays Carrigan.

Some of the good things you should expect from the new movie includes:

• The introduction part was a good bit since it really used visual graphics and animated sequences to replace taking additional shots. 
• The dialogues were good especially the monologues that Cage delivers; heck even his explanations were fun to listen in to. 
• CHRISTOPHER LAMBERT! Yes, the Highlander also makes a short appearance in the film in the role of Methodius, that mysterious monk with a lot of facial tattoos we see in the trailer. While we get to see him around the second act of the movie, its a great throwback to movie fans.

• Visually speaking, the Ghost Rider gets an upgraded. The flaming skull is still there but there were some changes that makes it more menacing. 
• While it does not get mentioned, the Rider's origin also gets a bit of retconning which, for me, is kinda cool *cough cough Zarathos. 
• New powers and upgrades plus a new motorcycle rounds up the whole thing for the Ghost Rider in this movie. 

Personally, there was nothing wrong that I could see for the film. I'd say that the movie had around 50% action and then 25% drama and 25% horror and suspense making it 100% fun. I do not have any qualms for this movie and thus I am giving this:

Verdict: 9.6 / 10.

Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance will be shown on February 17 at the nearest theaters nationwide distributed by Warner Bros. Philippines.