Ghost Rider (2007) is a basic superhero tale that could have been one of the better film adaptations of the genre, but which decided to settle for lazier goals. Yes, the film is entertaining. I found myself chuckling where it was intentionally humorous, and I enjoyed the visual effects, but I do not find myself at all anxious to see it again.
At the heart of the dissatisfaction is the writing. In particular, the weakest link is the choice of villains. For the most part, great heroes benefit from having great enemies. One doesn’t have to like the villains (although that happens often enough), but one ought to find them interesting and entertaining to watch. Epic struggles between Good and Evil should not be boring. The villains of Ghost Rider are boring. One can easily imagine the process of devising them. “I need a villain. How about the son of the Devil? Great! Now I need some superpowered henchmen. How about demons? The demons need a shtick. How about air, earth, and water? Great! Villains: check. Now I need a plot…”
Yes, there is a plot — a predictable plot involving sundry battles with demons and arguments with his confused girlfriend… Sorry, I almost dozed off writing that sentence.
Ghost Rider could have and should have been much better, but a weak script can be the greatest hurdle to overcome in making a good movie. Actors can only do so much with the material they are given, and the best effects in the world can’t entirely save a forgettable story. I’m not saying the story ought to be another dark comic book psychodrama (there’s more than enough of that), but I do expect more effort in storytelling, because the superhero genre, despite its appearances, deserves to be better represented in our culture. Like it or not, the superhero comic has a place in the history of our civilization and its themes and ideals have been instilled in the dreams and aspirations of generations. Doesn’t it deserve to be adapted to film with a little more regard for its heritage, even if, on the surface, it seems to be nothing more than the business of entertainment?
On a more “pragmatic” level, isn’t it just good business to make a better product that more people will enjoy and recommend to others? Hollywood, could you please make writing a priority again and treat writers with the respect they are due?
- Writing: Mediocre
- Directing: Fair
- Acting: Fair
- Cinematography: Good
- Special Effects: Good
Overall Rating: Fair