Today’s Prayer Focus
MOVIE REVIEW

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

also known as “Ghost Rider 2”
MPA Rating: PG-13-Rating (MPA) for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, and language.

Reviewed by: Joseph Yates
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Very Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Teens Adults
Genre: Action Fantasy Thriller Sequel
Length: 1 hr. 35 min.
Year of Release: 2012
USA Release: February 17, 2012 (wide)
DVD: June 12, 2012
Copyright, Columbia Pictures, Sony Picturesclick photos to ENLARGE Copyright, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures
Relevant Issues
Copyright, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures

What the Devil intends for evil, God turns around for good. Biblical examples: Christ’s crucifixion, Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers, Joseph’s imprisonment by Potiphar, etc.

Satan / Devil

Demon

making deals with the Devil

Is Satan a real person that influences our world today? Is he affecting you? Answer

DEMONIC POSSESSION and Influence—Can Christians be demon possessed? In what ways can Satan and his demons influence believers? Answer

ghosts in the Bible

the truth about Hell

Is there an actual place called “Hell”? Answer

Why was Hell made? Answer

Is there anyone in Hell today? Answer

Will there literally be a burning fire in Hell? Answer

What should you be willing to do to stay out of Hell? Answer

How can a God of love send anybody to Hell? Answer

What if I don’t believe in Hell? Answer

The Good News—How to be saved from Hell. Answer

Featuring Nicolas CageJohnny Blaze/Ghost Rider
Ciarán HindsRoarke
Idris ElbaMoreau
Christopher LambertMethodius
Violante Placido … Nadya
See all »
Director Mark Neveldine—“Crank” 1-2, “Gamer” and Brian Taylor
Producer Columbia Pictures
Hyde Park Entertainment
See all »
Distributor Distributor: Columbia Pictures. Trademark logo.Columbia Pictures, a division of Sony Pictures

“He rides again.”

also see prequel: “Ghost Rider” (2007) review

Many people absolutely love super hero films. That being said, I held high expectations for this reboot, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.” The original film had great effects and an interesting storyline, staying fairly faithful to the comic book character. This reboot attempts to improve on some of the shortcomings of the first, such as the lack of action scenes, the depth of the Rider’s story, and some of the supernatural background behind it.

Built upon the Ghost Rider mythos of a motorcycle stuntman named John Blaze, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” starts fresh with a totally new story—including origin sequence—and cast (except Nicolas Cage). The film’s directors are Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, the same men who directed “Crank” and “Crank: High Voltage”. These men bring the same over-the-top, dark edginess present in those movies to the “Ghost Rider” film. The cinematics are definitely the strongest point of the film, with amazing camera angles and visually stimulating depictions of Ghost Rider insanity. The storyline, this time around, is much weaker, consisting of the devil trying to possess his human son’s body.

Although the horrific looking hero is a relatively good guy, and the plot is redemptive (good vs. evil) and involves trying to stop the Devil from increasing his power, most of the entertainment value is still based on the subject of supposed Satanic powers, demons, ugliness and heavy violence for the sake of entertainment.

Don’t take kids to see this movie. The mixture of spirituality along with frightening imagery and brief strong language prevent this from being a children’s movie. Men are burned to ashes by Ghost Rider, smashed, cut in half with his chain, or have their souls drained. There is, refreshingly, only mild sexual content. However, there are two uses of “g_dd_mn” and one use of “f__k,” along with six or eight uses of milder vulgarities.

While “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” will certainly win no Golden Globes or feature any Oscar® nominees, competent acting by Nicolas Cage supports a storyline, that while weak, certainly works for the creative minds of the directors. The action scenes are well done, but the CGI is inconsistent, and a few of the liberties taken by the filmmakers may be a little disappointing to some fans (the Rider’s skeleton being black instead of white, no spikes on the Rider’s biker outfit, etc.). With its skewed spirituality, if one goes to watch this movie, they should not bring anyone except those who are secure in their faith and not easily scared (not younger than high school or college age). That being said, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” is junk, but somewhat fun junk—just like that giant slice of chocolate cake I ate yesterday…

Violence: Extreme / Profanity: Moderate / Sex/Nudity: Mild

Is Satan a real person that influences our world today? Is he affecting you? Answer

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Positive
Positive—I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Especially in 3D. What I liked was the fact that it did not take itself to seriously. Lots of great one liners, and Nicholas Cage, who can show up in about anything, had some great expressions throughout. The devil was depicted well and special effects were edited tightly and pretty tense. I put these type films in the “popcorn” movie category and for a Saturday afternoon matinée; it fit the bill for me!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
Lynn C. Stahlecker, age 58 (USA)
Negative
Negative—Well… Should have done my homework, but felt rushed, but that’s not anybody’s fault but my own. Movie started out well, and camera shots looked great. Cage has always, in my opinion, done a superior job on his movies and choice of rolls he plays. The writers of this and so many other movies over the last several years need to understand that great moviemaking is not going to be done by taking the Lord’s name in vain. 30 minutes into the film, this happens. What I watched up till that point looked as if it could have been an enjoyable flick.

Sorry, Mr. Cage, I will not be picking up the DVD when it comes out. Please tell your friends in the moviemaking biz. Think about the young eyes and ears that are watching. The envelope is being pushed enough with motorcycle riding demons. Please consider just omitting offensive language.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Michael, age 45 (USA)
Negative—The title gives it away and should warn anyone walking in the Lord to stay away. We are to trust in the Lord and not man to seek vengeance. Pray for your enemies and always walk in the Spirit not the flesh. The person walking in the flesh seeks to glorify himself and not G. Do not support this kind of Hollywood movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: ½
Michael, age 54 (USA)
Comments from non-viewers
Negative—…I am a CHRISTIAN man who got mislead into seeing the first ghostrider movie and still can’t lose the feeling GOD gave me in my soul after watching it. So, NO, I will NOT see this one, as well. But to fellow Christians that do see it, WHY would you literally play with fire, when you know you will get burned or just get a bigger fire—and is that REALY what you want?
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: ½
Chris, age 22 (USA)

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