Nicolas Cage stars as daredevil Johnny Blaze--and apparently Nicole Richie subs as his leather-clad alter--ego, in 'Ghost Rider.' Visit the Photo Place

Reviews

'Ghost Rider' worth price of admission, but not uncomfortable environment

Date published: 2/22/2007

BY BEN LESTER

Here's a bit of advice: Never go to the opening weekend of a crowded blockbuster movie. It will ruin the experience and put a damper on what could be a great flick.

I learned this lesson the hard way when I went to see "Ghost Rider," which was surprisingly well-thought-out. Unfortunately, I was distracted throughout the whole movie by the loud, talkative woman beside me.

Overall, "Ghost Rider" is put together nicely. The graphics are at times a little cheesy and over-the-top, but that's what everyone should expect when they go into a superhero movie.

It starts off when the main character, Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage), is in his childhood years. He and his father are stunt riders who steal the show with their death-defying tricks. His father, however, is terminally ill due to his continuous smoking.

Here the film adopts a Faustian motif, as Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda) arrives and offers a deal to Johnny: give his soul to the devil in exchange for his father's life. Johnny accepts the deal, not knowing that everything he's ever known will go downhill in the future.

Years pass, and Johnny's reputation as a daredevil grows. His motorcycle jumps span football fields.

After a complicated premise involving a villain named Blackheart (Wes Bentley), Johnny is contacted by Mephistopheles, who cashes in on their contract and turns him into the crazed Ghost Rider. His purpose is to collect and take back demons who escaped the underworld.

Blaze goes through numerous challenges and setbacks to even come close to the ultimate prize: the return of his soul.

This movie is rated PG-13 for language, violence and some frightening scenes.

As I said, this movie is great, but not worth the long wait in line, the armrest hogs in the theater or the squished environment that crowds create.

Give it a week and go enjoy a great thrill ride.

Ben Lester is a senior at Massaponax High School.

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Date published: 2/22/2007