In order to save his dying father, young stunt cyclist Johnny Blaze sells his soul to Mephistopheles and sadly parts from the pure-hearted Roxanne Simpson, the love of his life. Years later, Johnny's path crosses again with Roxanne, now a go-getting reporter, and also with Mephistopheles, who offers to release Johnny's soul if Johnny becomes the fabled, fiery 'Ghost Rider'.
Grand, empty gestures and loads of CGI effects can't cover up pure schlock. Even the character's iconically cool trademarks -- a flaming skull and a fiery chopper -- are reduced to Velveeta slices. No, damn you, sir.
– Joshua Rothkopf,
Time Out New York,
3 Mar 2007
rotten:
Nic Cage seems comfortable in the role of the flaming-skulled biker, but the plot holes are too deep even for his Herbie-like arachnid motorcycle to negotiate.
– David Jenkins,
Time Out,
28 Feb 2007
rotten:
Mainly the movie's about riding a bike at the speed of sound while your head is burning. They can do anything these days, which isn't quite the same as saying they should do anything these days.
– Stephen Hunter,
Washington Post,
24 Feb 2007
rotten:
Not as dreadful as the studio's decision to withhold press screenings until less than 24 hours before opening day would suggest, but not especially good either.
– Scott Foundas,
L.A. Weekly,
21 Feb 2007
rotten:
So much flatter than it was on the comic-book page.