With so many horror movies to choose from as Halloween draws nearer, it is surprising that one is based on a popular comic book series. Ghost Rider is different from other comic book stories because it acknowledges the existence of supernatural power. It also decidedly leans toward being more of a horror story than a typical comic book scenario where a hero is scientifically or artificially endowed with special abilities. The movie version of the storyline is no different. From the choice to cast Nicolas Cage as the Ghost Rider himself, a complete physical metamorphosis of the main character that has nothing to do with shape-shifting, and a human portrayal of Satan to the very notion that the essence of all evil could have a bounty hunter for evil souls, Ghost Rider is full of interesting ideas that explode at full speed onscreen.
Cage’s performance as Johnny Blaze is vigorous and unusual, having to build on a character that is mysterious and somewhat elusive in terms of personality. The transformation of his own body and his motorbike into a cool type of wage-war-on-criminals outfit is one of the best parts of Ghost Rider, not to mention that Blaze still keeps his conscience intact. This concept can also be found in old folktales from around the world, where people believed that demons and devils were in fact capable of choosing between right and wrong. Taking into consideration the Biblical belief that many residents of hell are fallen angels, such a characteristic is plausible.
To be continued...
Ghost Rider is available on DVD and Blu-ray Disc wherever movies are sold in Fresno and online; it also can be rented for free from local libraries.
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