It’s interesting talking to various moviegoers about the original GHOST RIDER movie, as it seems there’s a definite difference of opinion on whether or not it’s any good. Some would say it’s a complete failure, while others would call it entertaining and visually exciting. Upon repeat viewings, I even found myself split on how exactly to feel. Perhaps the most important factor in my decision is knowing what a big comic book fan Nicolas Cage is in real life, and how important that role was to him personally in his career. Despite the poor critical and fan reception the 2007 film had, there’s a sequel on the way, and this could get right some of things the first film didn’t. In the hand of co-directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (the CRANK movies), this outing see Cage once again playing Johnny Blaze, with co-stars Ciaran Hinds, Violante Placido, Fergus Riordan, Christopher Lambert and Johnny Whitworth. I’m also intrigued by the inclusion of Fergus Riordan as “Danny” in the cast, as all hardcore Ghost Rider fans know who “Danny Ketch” is in the comics… is this film setting up a passing of the torch? There’s fun stuff going on in the trailer, particularly with the chain work, and how can you not grin as the peeing fire bit? Check out the poster above and trailer below, and tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Nicolas Cage returns as Johnny Blaze in Columbia Pictures’ and Hyde Park Entertainment’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. In the successor to the worldwide hit Ghost Rider, Johnny – still struggling with his curse as the devil’s bounty hunter – is hiding out in a remote part of Eastern Europe when he is recruited by a secret sect of the church to save a young boy (Fergus Riordan) from the devil (Ciaran Hinds). At first, Johnny is reluctant to embrace the power of the Ghost Rider, but it is the only way to protect the boy – and possibly rid himself of his curse forever. Directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor. Screenplay by Scott M. Gimple & Seth Hoffman and David S. Goyer. Story by David S. Goyer. Based on the Marvel Comic.
GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE opens February 17th, 2012
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
