It's a big year for comic book movies in 2012 and this weekend marks the first contender out of the gate, a sequel hoping to ride the success that was garnered by its predecessor at the box-office and maybe gain some better cred in the process. It's opponent? A star-studded action romantic-comedy flick that is sure to provide amusement with three very well known actors. In the mix is an Oscar nominated football documentary.
Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance
Six years ago Nicholas Cage awkwardly played Marvel Comics creation Johnny Blaze - a stunt cyclist who makes a deal with the devil to become an avenging demon that rights the wrongs of sinners, in a film that was neat on visuals but turned out too campy for its own good. This new sequel ups the ante with more high-octane action as we find Blaze hiding out in Europe and being informed that his hellish maker is trying to take human form.
Here's hoping Cage gets down more serious tactics to play the Ghost Rider that fans deserve since the creators decided not to go with a new inhabitant of the curse. Replacing Director Mark Steven-Johnson is now the team behind Crank - Mark Nelvedine and Brian Taylor, and Eva Mendes' character Roxanne has also been written out of the project.
This sequel looks visually more arresting than the first film and is offered in 3D which might be worth it, but with Cage (who has been dwelling in dud films for the last few years) still attached, I have my doubts. On the bright side, we get to see Christopher Lambert (Highlander) back in a movie! Interest Rating: 3/5
This Means War
Since failing to revitalize the Terminator franchise three years ago, Director McG (Charlie's Angels)returns to the action comedy realm with this tale about two CIA agents (Star Trek's Chris Pine and Inception's Tom Hardy) who decide to battle it out with each other when they come to the realization they're dating the same woman (Reese Witherspoon). The film looks amusing, featuring an intriguing cast that includes Chelsea Handler.
If you like light-hearted spy vs. spy flicks like Mr. & Mrs. Smith then this may be your cup of tea, and it's good to see talent like Pine and Hardy getting the chance to flex their comedic chops along with their action appeal on film. Not entirely sure Witherspoon is the right fit as the female love interest however. Interest Rating: 3.5/5
Undefeated
Football fans may want to take note of this documentary that follows three high school football players who opt to join an underdog team under the tutelage of coach Bill Courtney. The camera crew sticks with the team the entire season and relays the drama, emotions, and inspiration that occurs when sports magic comes together.
In the wake of the Penn State incidences and recent Superbowl, interest in this doc might be at an all-time high for football and sports fans in general. The flick is now up for an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature and has been dubbed as an honest and motivating piece of work, although there have been grumblings it runs and bit long and could have used more editing. Interest Rating: 4/5
Let The Battles Begin
Whether your a bike riding demon fighting for your soul, secret agents striving for a woman's attention, or gridiron hopefuls laying it out on the field for a chance at glory, the weekend's crop of films contains many battles of varying degrees. As much as I love comic books, the first Ghost Rider left a sour taste in my mouth so I'm not sure the sequel can redeem that in theaters and This Means War seems more of a worthy rental. Maybe it's time to broaden horizons and take in an informative documentary that brings Oscar cred.
Sources:
- Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance. Dir. Mark Nelvedine, Brian Taylor. Perf. Nicholas Cage, Idris Elba, Ciaran Hinds, Christopher Lambert. 2012. Sony Pictures. Running Time: 95 mins.
- This Means War. Dir. McG. Perf. Resse Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, Chelsea Handler. 2012. 20th Century Fox. Running Time: 98 mins.
- Undefeated. Dir. Daniel Lindsay, T.J. Martin. Perf. Bill Courtney, O.C.Brown, Montrail Brown. 2011. Spitfire Pictures. Running Time: 113 mins.
Ryan Young - Ryan Young is a Film and Sports article/review writer, based in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada.
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