13 Gloriously Hammy Performances In Comic Book Movies
4. Nicolas Cage (Ghost Rider And Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance)
Nicolas Cages taste for scenery is well documented elsewhere, and his starring turns in comic book films are by no means the most heinous examples of overacting in his filmography. In fact, although his Adam West pastiche in Kick-Ass is fun in places, they are collectively disappointing, and none more so than the Ghost Rider films. Of course, since its Nicolas Cage, he still earns the number four spot on the list even when he isnt firing on all cylinders. Cage is a lifelong comic book fan (who named his son Kal-El, if you recall), and after Hollywood deprived him of the chance to play the Big Blue Boy Scout in Tim Burtons failed Superman project and consequently redefine the term overacting for ever after, he turned to Johnny Blaze and Ghost Rider. Both films were received poorly, but whenever Cage is onscreen, he does deliver his usual brand of insanity; his pained expressions in the transformation sequences have likely never been made by another human being. Unfortunately, the cinematic Ghost Rider is an otherworldly CGI skull, and even Cage cant do anything with that. Hes relegated to the background while the CGI obligingly fulfils the requirements of the plot until he can return to human form and unleash Cage upon the scenery once more. It makes for two films which are difficult to watch even for fans of Mr. Cages wilderness years, if only because its almost sad to think of what could have been.
