Saturday, February 17, 2007
Comic Art - Movie Review Edition
I probably can never be an unbiased reviewer when it comes to movies based on comic books, and in some senses Ghost Rider is no exception. As such stories go, the movie is very prosaic. The Ghost Rider has a long and multi-variagated history in comics and the movie pulls from all the traditions, resulting a mish-mash of character.The plot line is simply by the numbers. Of course, most movies are, so it takes characters of depth and absolutely great acting to make a movie standout - this movie fails on both parts.
I do; however, hope the movie does well enough to warrant a sequel, for I think the character reaches a point at the end of the film where a really great movie could be written next time. This actually appears to be a strategy with the lower budget comic book movies - put together something minimal to see if there is an audience, and then ratchet up in number two. That certainly seems the case with this summer's pending Fantastic Four pic.
All that said, there is one place where this movie absolutely shines. Despite the low budget and complimentary cgi effects, the movie is a visual feast for the eyes. Ghost Rider is a character in motion and hence can often not be compelling in print, but on the screen - man-o-man - this movie is just fun to watch. I am reminded of the disappointing Hulk film of a few years ago - worth the price of admission just to see big-green-and-ugly toss a tank across the desert.
This movie is likewise worth the price of admission provided your expectations are not too high and you are willing to take it for what it is. Watching what GR does on that flaming bike is nothing short of just cool. My favorite shot is probabaly when the old western GR and the new motorcyle GR ride through Monument Valley together, leaving a trail fo fire behind. Although, riding a motorcycle up and down the side of a building is pretty cool too.The movie also manages to poke a bit of fun at itself, something almost mandatory for a pic like this. When it does it is great, sadly, there is not enough of it.
All and all, the movie is a couple hour diversion. Word of warning to my Christian brethren - it's all about the devil, demons and all - dark stuff that some could find unsettling. But, for a fan like myself it is worthy, if not great. This character needed to be put into motion and this movie does that admirably, at least to the eyes. Maybe next time....
Related Tags: comics, comic books, comic art, movies, Ghost Rider
