Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Crazy, violent, dumb action sequel quickly burns out.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a chaotic mix of action, violence, and humor, with performances that range from entertainingly absurd to disappointing. While some viewers appreciate the improved special effects and action scenes, many criticize the weak storyline and poor acting, especially from the lead, making it a divisive experience overall.
- dumb action sequel
- disappointing story
- improved special effects
- violent content
- mixed performances
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
There's some gleefully twisted stuff here (for those who like that kind of thing). Johnny tries 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). For this sequel, the Ghost Rider franchise 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.
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 17, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : June 12, 2012
- Cast : Ciaran Hinds , Nicolas Cage , Violante Placido
- Directors : Brian Taylor , Mark Neveldine
- Studio : Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, and language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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