Ghost Rider Review

When I was about ten, I wanted super-powers. Like most kids I suppose. My favourite was one where I could subdue evil by unleashing on them the anguish and suffering of their victims until they suffer a psychotic break (Yes, even back then I had issues). In fact, to this moment, I'm still wishing it on the worlds' evils. Only later did I realise that Marvel's Ghost Rider had plagiarised my "Penance Stare", what I thought till that moment to be a really original, really cool super-power. And now they made it into a million dollar movie. Sigh. Ghost Rider turned out to be much better than expected. Early reviews by media indicated that it may turn out to be a box office flop. However a tight script, above average performances by the leads and excellent special effects wizardry saved what may have been a mediocre super-hero story. Although not block-buster material it was sufficiently good enough to be rated a holiday weekend release. Non superhero-flick fans may find it at least border-line entertaining as the writers have not forgotten that humor goes a long way as filler. Mack, Johnny Blaze's best bud provide sufficient comic moments in the early moments of the movie to push it along until the more spectacular CGI scenes. It helps that most of the characters don't look like they're taking themselves too seriously most of the time. That is important for comic book movies. I mean the guy's head is on FIRE, man! 4 Stars out of 5. Highly recommended. Unless you're about to get some.