The Ghost Rider character is a dark, supernatural alternative to the likes of Spider Man and Captain America, a demon hunter who rides a chopper made of steel and hell fire, battling ghouls and goblins from the depths of Hell. Yet on screen, the iconic cult comic book character known as the “Spirit of Vengeance” comes across as nothing more than a pale impersonation of his printed self, thanks to this slick, over the top adaptation by writer/director Mark Steven Johnson.

The movie follows Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage), a highly successful daredevil who, as a young man, sold his soul to the Lord of the Underworld, Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda). In exchange Johnny’s father is cured of his cancer and – when the time comes - Johnny must do Mephistopheles bidding.

Cross to the present day and Mephistopheles comes a calling transforming Johnny into his new Ghost Rider, a bounty hunter whose first mission is to stop the evil Blackheart (Wes Bentley) from locating a mysterious contract which will give Blackheart the power to over throw Mephistopheles and unleash hell on Earth. It is up to Johnny to make sure that neither Blackheart nor Mephistopheles gets the contract while he struggles with his new power and tries to sustain a relationship with long lost love Roxanne (Eva Mendes).

Much like The Punisher and Daredevil (which was also written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson), Ghost Rider proves that Marvel Comics’ more darker characters just cannot catch a break on the silver screen. What should have been a dark, scary tale of vengeful demons and redemptive souls comes across more like a live cartoon that doesn’t even come close to reaching the tone found within the comic book.

The script is chock-a-block full of corny dialogue, the direction is uninspired and a number of dreadful performances – especially Wes Bentley who is scaring no one in his Eddie Munster get up – drag’s the movie down.

The films saving grace belongs to the performances of Nicolas Cage and Eva Mendes, as well as the excellent special effects with special mention to the awesome transformation sequence. Cage – a controversial choice – stands tall with a wonderfully funny and eccentric performance, giving Johnny Blaze many quirks such as a love for the Carpenters and anything to do with monkeys.

As a whole Ghost Rider fails no matter how it is presented whether it be a comic book movie, a supernatural thriller or an action adventure.