8. Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengence
While lighter on its feet than its predecessor, this sequel never licks its central problem: you can only do so much with Nicolas Cages bike-riding protagonist who, courtesy of a Faustian pact, periodically transforms into a flaming skeleton. Not for him the outsider angst of an X-Man, the borderline vigilantism of Batman or the perils of maintaining a secret identity. Ghost Rider can urinate fire, but thats about it. This time, the story focuses on the Devils baby momma and Cages attempts to prevent her offspring from transforming into the New Antichrist, whose ascendency will cast a shadow over all mankind etc etc. Given how Ol Scratch engineered some of Mankinds darkest atrocities, from the Third Reich to The Kardashians, hes surprisingly non-threatening and easily defeated. Thats probably due to economic pressures because this time hes played by Ciaran Hinds rather than Peter Fonda. Even Hades is feeling the pinch. Economic forces likely were responsible for the occasionally unconvincing effects, too, though it was a very human hand that turned such lines as, Bullets dont hurt you when you walk with a demon.