Ghost Rider parents guide

Ghost Rider Parent Guide

Overall C

In Ghost Rider, another Marvel Comics' character races onto the big screen. Johnny Blaze (played by Nicholas Cage) is a motorcycle stuntman by day-- but at night he transforms into a fiery, super-powered demon that chases bad guys with a "spirit of vengeance."

Release date February 15, 2007

Violence D+
Sexual Content A-
Profanity C+
Substance Use C+

Why is Ghost Rider rated PG-13? The MPAA rated Ghost Rider PG-13 for horror violence and disturbing images.

Run Time: 114 minutes

Parent Movie Review

Based on a comic book, Ghost Rider follows the story of a stunt motorcyclist named Johnny Blaze (Matt Long, Nicholas Cage) who, along with his dad Barton Blaze (Brett Cullen), jumps bikes through rings of fire. It’s dangerous work, but not nearly as deadly as the packs of cigarettes the father has smoked during his life. Now Barton has lung cancer and death is imminent.

That is until a mysterious man called Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda) arrives and makes the grieving son an incredible offer. In exchange for Johnny’s soul, the old man with a rumbling voice declares he can cure the fatal illness. While apprehensively eyeing the parchment contract, an accidental drop of blood from the boy’s finger immediately signs the agreement. But in Hell, a deal is only as good as the fine print, so although the cancer is cured the unscrupulous representative of the devil finds another way to take Barton’s life.

All the same, the counterfeit promise leaves Johnny with a lifetime commitment of being a “ghost rider.” The conscripted job becomes the man’s alter ego, in which he morphs into a flaming skeleton and rides the nights away looking for spirits who have escaped the confines of Hell. Specifically he is seeking the eviler-than-evil Blackheart (Wes Bentley). This son of Satan has plans to overthrow his father and create a Hell on Earth—if he can get hold of a special contract that will bring legions of souls to help him do his wicked work.

Obviously audiences who have any concerns about depictions of satanic characters in movies will want to think twice before paying the ransom to see this film. The special effects (where characters turn deathly blue and withering away under the touch of a malevolent finger) are truly amazing, and certainly add to the dark themes. The frequent fantasy violence also includes depictions of immortal characters being shot, beaten and burned, with many gruesome outcomes.

Within this mayhem, actor Nicholas Cage turns what could have been a laughable script into a remarkable performance. Essentially playing a superhero, Cage’s Johnny Blaze doesn’t take himself too seriously, bringing much-needed comic relief into the film. This human quality adds to the sense of empathy we are solicited to feel for his character who, at a young age, unwittingly became involved with the dark citizens of the afterlife. We are also expected to buy into the notion that Johnny is protecting the status quo; meaning things would become even worse if Blackheart were to become the new Devil.

Adding further justification to Johnny’s potential redemption is a reminder provided to him by yet another mysterious individual (Sam Elliot). “Any man who has the guts to sell his soul for love has the power to change the world. That puts God on your side,” says the empathetic man who is a caretaker of an aging cemetery. His message is a lovely platitude, yet considering the vengeful motives growing inside the Ghost Rider, this supposed mediator between Earth and Hell is not likely to instill godly attributes in young audiences who hop on this flaming ride.

Starring Nicholas Cage. Running time: 114 minutes. Theatrical release February 15, 2007. Updated

Ghost Rider
Rating & Content Info

Why is Ghost Rider rated PG-13? Ghost Rider is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for horror violence and disturbing images.

Satanic depictions and dealings with supernatural and metaphysical beings from Hell are the backbone of this film. Cage’s character is essentially a superhero who is unwittingly conscripted to help prevent the overthrow of the Devil by his even more evil son Blackheart. Amazing special effects create multiple scenes of flaming skeletons, and immortal spiritual beings who are shot, burned, beaten and crushed. These visuals (many of which are intended to make you “jump”) will undoubtedly frighten children. Violence ensues on Earth as well, with people killed and property destroyed. Language includes infrequent mild profanities and one use of a scatological term, while terms of Christian deity are used in a blasphemous manner several times.

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Ghost Rider Parents' Guide

From a religious perspective, this film presents some interesting questions. Do you think it is possible to sell your soul to the devil? Do you think you could be obligated to do evil acts, or are you always able to make choices for yourself?

The Caretaker reminds Johnny he sold his soul out of love, yet in the end Johnny feels a need to avenge. How are these two feelings contradictory? Do you think it is possible to promote love through vengeance?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Ghost Rider movie is June 11, 2007. Here are some details…

DVD Release Date: 12 June 2007

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment presents Ghost Rider on DVD in a 1-Disc Theatrical Version (in either wide or full screen) or a 2-Disc Extended Cut. Should you give the first option a spin, you’ll get the theatrical version of the film plus a making-of documentary called Spirit of Vengeance, and two commentaries (one with director/writer Mark Steven Johnson and VFX Supervisor Kevin Mack, and the other featuring producer Gary Foster).

If you decide to test drive the two disc edition, you’ll get the same commentaries and making-of documentary, as well as an Extended Version of the film (with never-before-seen footage) and Sin & Salvation (a featurette on the comic book origins of Ghost Rider). These same bonus material and extended cut are also included on Blu-ray edition.

Audio Tracks are available in English (Dolby Digital 5.1) and French, with subtitles in English, French and Spanish.

Related home video titles:

Nicholas Cage plays another character protecting the status quo in National Treasure. Because of an event in his early life, Harry Potter is also locked in a battle against an evil, supernatural enemy. (See Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire).