Marks already reviewed it, HERE. And, if I’m honest, I’d be happy to not even throw my hat in.
But Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance is bat shit crazy.
It may even be the most ridiculous film of all time. And I loved it. Every single minute.
It’s not flawless. Using my own flawless rating system, (out of 5), I’d give Ghost Rider a solid 3.75/5. It’s not a 4/5 on the basis of some of the directing decisions, (seriously, this film is trippy). It’s better than a 3/5 though, too.
The 3D is effective in that annoying way that makes everything have depth. I say “annoying”, and need to quantify that. I love 3D. have the 3D TV. Look forward to every 3D release (Got the Wrath Of The Titans Trailer in 3D, finally… not too shabby!). Yet I’ve found myself realising Hollywood is being too clever. Don’t get me wrong. Johnny Blaze stood on a mountain top looks lovely with the added depth, but where are the shots of the chain flying out at the audience? I never, ever thought Hollywood would take the mature approach, but it has. As a result, even Transformers 3D got a bashing. I watched that at Home (in 3D, obviously), earlier today. It works really well. But christ. Even Bay resists having stuff fly out at the screen. Sorry, but in films like this. B-Movies, to Scorsese’s Hugo… isn’t that the point? So, as a result, the 3D remains effective, but wasted for me. If the Directors of Crank can’t see any point in having Nic Cage peeing out at us, then no one will.
That said, he does pee. Fire. And it’s so bat shit crazy they show it twice. Having seen the trailer I wouldn’t how it would get shoe horned in. I had forgotten of course some of the stuff these guys pulled in the Crank movies, so needn’t have worried. It’s there. In all it’s glory. Cage pissing fire. And, if we’re honest, you’re either sold on that alone, or not going to go.
The thing with Cage, is that I came out beaming. He’s Castor Troy again, I mused. Or better. Bad Lieutenant. He gets edgy comedy again, I thought. Kick-Ass. Bad Lieutenant (seriously, seriously good). Now this. A hat trick. Except it isn’t. I then flicked through my new Empire (worse cover ever. Sorry. But it is.). I saw adverts for Trespass and t’other terrible one he did last year. Urgh. I won’t let it ruin the moment, but a hat trick it aint. It’s more like three winning goals in-between a season of injury.
With the added assist of Drive Angry (IN 3D!). Which this bares a lot of similarities, too.
He makes the film, though. Him and Idris Elba (dude) have a good rapport. The kid didn’t annoy me. The woman was OK. Johnny Whitworth had a sensational mullet – although the effects used when he can “decay” was a bit off the wall. Again, an example of not everything working, but fair dos for trying.
Then there is Ciaran Hinds. Is it his year, or something? This. John Carter. Woman In Black. (Bugged the hell out of me during the film what I’d seen him in recently.) He gets the big role, and I bought it. Maybe it was the split screen phone conversations (somewhere, a reclusive Brian De Palma is very happy). Maybe it was the blood-shot eye. I’m not sure. But I liked it a lot. And I loved how they kept replaying a key scene from the first film. Whether it was in cartoon form, or dream sequence. It helps make everything canon – because I hope there’s another one in there somewhere.
If they just dialled down a few elements (I didn’t get the compass thing Cage talks about in the latter link), they’d have a sure winner. Because this films problem is finding an audience. Who else was pissed it was a 12A?
Just me?
There were kids seeing this, and it just cried out for a 15 cut. The Blu Ray may have it. Who knows. If we still live in a world where Saturday Night Fever has a PG and an 18 cut… why not? Bring it on. It’s the cut I’d want to see.
As Cage was fighting becoming Ghost Rider, and it’s filmed with him riding towards camera (in 3D!), and his face was contorting. Well, I may have punched the air and yelled “KRYPTONIIIITTTEEE”.
Whoever let Cage play it like a supernatural Bad Lieutenant needs a rise. And a slap on the wrist for doing drugs. But it works. And it’s the main draw.
Anyone who isn’t at the very least intrigued with Cage playing and moving like a Cobra (!)… well. They may not have a soul.
Craig had a great Q&A with Nic Cage, and has found himself realising Cage isn’t as bat shit crazy as we wanted to think. Instead, he comes across like a measured professional. Totally dedicated. Who keeps Cobras in the garden. Go read, HERE.
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