 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
- Review Date: February 17, 2012
- PG-13
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Crazy, violent, dumb action sequel quickly burns out.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is the sequel to the 2007's Ghost Rider and is based on a Marvel Comics character (albeit one who seems more on wreaking vengeance than assisting people in need). There's lots of strong, if mostly bloodless, fantasy violence; unlike the original movie, this one is in 3-D, which makes some of the action/violence even more intense. Characters burn and decay; a woman and a boy (about 13) are slapped around; there are fights, explosions, guns and shooting; and lots of stuff catches on fire. Ghost Rider's skull face is pretty creepy, too. Language is infrequent but includes one use of "f--k"; there's also some brief sexual innuendo and a quick reference to a minor character being an alcoholic (he's shown drinking but not drunk).
What's the story?
Previously, former stunt rider Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) made a deal with the devil and became Ghost Rider, a fearsome ghoul who rides a blazing motorcycle and feeds on the souls of the wicked. Now, attempting to hide from the world, he receives an offer from a priest (Idris Elba). If Johnny can help rescue a mother (Violante Placido) and her son (Fergus Riordan), he can get his humanity back. But what Johnny doesn't know is that there's something special about the boy and that the ultimate evil on earth won't rest until he's captured. Can Johnny save the world -- and also himself?
Is it any good?
For this sequel, the Ghost Rider franchise has changed directors; now we get the demented team of Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, the boys behind Crank and Crank: High Voltage. The result is a slight improvement in style, but unfortunately, the movie still lags behind in the script and character departments. There's some gleefully twisted stuff (for those who like that kind of thing) -- such as Johnny trying to fight off the transformation to Ghost Rider, speeding down the street, screaming and cackling with the effort. He also switches from a flaming motorcycle to an enormous flaming crane in one shot (apparently it doesn't matter what vehicle he rides).
But the story -- loosely borrowed from Superman II -- is sluggish and uninspired, with several bald spots of logic, and it has a distasteful penchant for violence against women and kids. The cardboard characters never inspire any connection; Cage plays his character as a touch too crazy, though Placido is genuinely appealing.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance's fantasy violence. Was it gruesome or thrilling? How does the impact of this kind of mayhem compare to more realistic violence?
What kind of superhero is Ghost Rider? Is he a good guy -- a role model? How does he compare to other superheroes?
When Ghost Rider agrees to take back his powers to help others, is this an admirable act, or a selfish act? Or can it be both?
Why are so many action/superhero movies based on comic books? What's the appeal?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
February 20, 2012
AGE
I loved this one better then the first ghost rider !!!!!!!!!
This movie is awesome because it has more action as the first ghost rider and it has more ghost rider feel to it. It has diffrent characters in this one except Johnney Blaze. I saw this one in 3-D this one is awesome in 3-D there are so much stuff coming out of the screen. Also this feels more like a reboot then a sequel. see this movie in the theaters in 3-D or 2-D
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Kid, 11 years old
February 24, 2012
AGE
Filled with Nonstop Action
This cool, action packed thrill ride will blow you away. Nicolas Cage gives his craziest performance yet as Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider. Ciaran Hinds gives a pretty decent performance as the devil. I am a Christian and did not like the devil, also a strongly negative role model. However, there are some positive messages. This film is very violent and is sometimes gross. There were a lot of little kids in the theater and they were all freaked out. There are some scenes that will make you jump, for example, during the very first scene after one of the people says, "I'm done with this conversation." The secondary villain has the power of decay and uses it on people. Ew. Sexual content is only implied, not shown. No nudity. Lots of language, about 20 mild obscenities and one f-bomb. The secondary villain eats a Twinkie. In the beginning, Blaze searches for as many drugs as he can and takes a lot. Overall, everything was so awesome including one of the best action scenes I have ever seen. There is a little lack of story and an abrupt ending, but I recommend you see it.
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AGE
its grrrrrrreeeeeeeaaaaaaat!
should have won an Oscar. one of the greatest films of all time. packed with explosions, terror, epic camera shots and great special effects, teens who love action, see this now!!!!!!!
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AGE
The Best 3D Tween Movie Yet !!!
Ghost Rider is a fun action-packed movie.very fun for teens ! there's hardly any blood,mostly action and fantasy and some frequent hard swearing.Very good effects though I don't think kids under 13 should watch.Ghost Rider's Skull is creepy and very real looking,Can scare little kids...
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| Topics: | superheroes |
| Studio: | Columbia Pictures |
| Directors: | Brian Taylor, Mark Neveldine |
| Cast: | Ciaran Hinds, Nicolas Cage, Violante Placido |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 95 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 17, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, and language |
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