The acting in the film is actually not bad. Nic Cage gives a solid enough performance this time around. In particular, there are some fun moments that show his struggle to contain his demon within. Cage seems to be having a little more fun with the role this time around. Idris Elba is likeable as Moreau the wine-loving warrior monk. He brings a hint of credibility to this otherwise absurd set of circumstances. Violante Placido works as Nadya. She tries to convey a mother’s love for her child, but in a film like this there just isn’t enough time to really capture those hallmark moments.

Johnny Whitworth is believable as the drug-dealing, gun-running, scumbag of the film, Carrigan. Heck, I couldn’t wait to see “the Rider” give him what for. However, when he becomes the villain Blackout he doesn’t seem to know exactly how to handle the transition. Veteran actor Ciarán Hinds having starred in such films as “Road to Perdition” and “There Will Be Blood” has showed his acting chops. Sadly, he is underutilized and does not get a chance to do a whole lot with a fun role like playing “the Devil.”

Probably the best thing this film has going for it is “the Rider” himself. In the previous film, the CGI effects made Ghost Rider appear more cartoonish. In Spirit of Vengeance, they made the smart decision to use the actor more and it works. He looks much more like a bad-ass biker demon from hell this time. Mr. Cage also added some interesting choices with the Ghost Rider’s body language and he feels much more menacing this time around. When you see him approaching the bad guys, you understand why they are going number two in their pants. Unfortunately, if you have seen the trailer and some of the scenes via internet, you have already witnessed the best GR moments in the film.