Here we are, the first CBM of the year!
Let me just start by saying how this movie was all about expectations, I didn't expect a great movie, a critical darling that was neat and tidy with a bow on top. I expected a completely stupid movie, with little to no plot, crappy acting, and absolutely ridiculous ideas in play. Essentially, the B-movie of CBM's.
In that sense, the film succeeds, I was never going to compare it to The Dark Knight or X-Men: First Class; it isn't those movies, nor will it ever be those movies. Your enjoyment is entirely dependent on how you view this type of movie.
Nevaldine and Taylor are perfect for this movie, because they construct movies that are all style, and no substance. I enjoyed the gritty take on Ghost Rider, with a twitch in the neck, bubbling leather jacket, and a pure black skull; there's no denying just how dark this version of Ghost Rider is. It's not clean at all, and I like the practical and CGI effects that they used on Ghost Rider.
When the movie focuses on the Rider, there's a lot to love. The action gets intense and visceral, and there's a lot of things that the Rider does that had me thinking, "well I always wondered if he could do that". The action reminds of of both Crank 1 and 2. Just B-grade insanity.
My problem with the movie is of course, Nicholas Cage. I'm kind of disappointed that N&T didn't just recast. The movie is fun, and the action is intense; but when the Rider becomes human again we have to put up with atrocious acting and just downright horrible line delivery.
I heard rumors before Cage was set to return, that the next movie would feature Danny Ketch. I don't know why this opportunity wasn't utilized. They tease it, with the young boy being Danny (or so it's inferred); but I would've preferred that we just got a new protagonist. I understand if the directing duo wanted Cage to get a second shot at Ghost Rider, but he didn't deserve it; and he certainly hasn't used this time off to improve his character. Seriously, we get The Wicker Man levels of acting here.
The supporting cast are all not bad, Irdris Elba is becoming a real name in Hollywood and he puts in a decent performance here. Johnny Witworth plays Blackheart, and he plays a decent if predictable villain.
In conclusion, there was a lot that I liked with the movie. The action was solid, and it actually had a more gritty and intense feel from the original. However, Nic Cage just bogs this movie down. It could've come out being a fun, albeit nonsensical B-movie. Instead, Cage just gives us that deadpan delivery that was fun in Kick-Ass but loses its luster in a franchise that the man obviously helped ruin in the first place.
In the famous words of one of my favorite commentors on this site:
F*** this movie, bring on the reboot