Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

Nicolas Cage returns as the stunt driver with a curse in this comic-book sequel that perhaps no one particularly asked for, but it is here anyway, so we might as well enjoy it. Still riddled with the curse which turns him into a flaming skull demon whenever evil rears its ugly head, Johnny Blaze (Cage) has been travelling the world, isolating himself, with a desire to be rid of the curse which controls his life. Whilst hiding out in Eastern Europe, Blaze is approached by a rather unorthodox Monk, Moreau (the always-awesome Idris Elba), who promises to lift Blaze’s curse if he helps him protect a young boy from a man called Roarke (Hinds). Not only is Roarke the man who gave Blaze his curse in the first place, he just also happens to be the Devil walking upon the Earth, who needs to the boy in able to unleash the extent of his full power over the world.

The first Ghost Rider was far from a masterpiece, I think we can all agree, and some of you may very well grumble at the prospect of a follow. But I say, give it a chance, this is a vast improvement on the first movie, capturing the crazy and archaic spirit of the comic-books much more so then the 2007 incarnation.

Spirit of Vengeance is a much harder edged affair (even though it still carries a 12A certificate) in terms of both tone and style, and that’s no surprise with Taylor and Neveldine behind the wheel, the guys responsible for the absolutely bonkers Crank movies. The Ghost Rider looks much more bad-ass, the action is frantic and fast paced and Cage is on fantastically loony form, as this time around he plays both Blaze and the Rider in all his fiery glory. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is a more than adequate popcorn flick, so just switch your brain off and enjoy the ride.