FILM REVIEW: Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance 3D (12A)

Nicolas Cage reprises his role as a motorcycle rider condemned to do the Devil’s bidding in this action-driven sequel directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor. Johnny Blaze (Cage) is wrestling with the curse of Ghost Rider and he goes into exile, hoping to keep his fiery alter ego under wraps.

His good friend and sidekick Moreau (Idris Elba) unexpectedly makes contact to ask for help protecting a gifted child called Danny (Fergus Riordan) and his guardian Nadya (Violante Placido) from the demonic Roarke (Ciaran Hinds). Johnny agrees and rides to the rescue as the eponymous bounty hunter, sucking out the souls of the damned and the wicked in order to protect Danny from harm. In the process, Johnny becomes a father figure to the boy, sparking memories of his life before he made his ill-fated pact with Beelzebub.

However, Roarke won’t give up the child without a titanic battle and he welcomes vigilante Ray Carrigan (Johnny Whitworth) into his villainous fold.

Released: February 17 (UK & Ireland), 95 mins