I did not have the highest of expectations for "Ghost Rider." The film was not screened for critics until the day before it opened. Generally, this is a kiss of death. It usually means that a film is so bad that publicists don't want critics to review it until after it opens.

"Ghost Rider" was directed by Mark Steven Johnson, who previously did a terrific tale of an outsider child, "Simon Birch," as well as the bungled superhero film, "Daredevil," which features one of Ben Affleck's worse performances. "Ghost Rider" is less memorable than the former but better than the latter.

"Ghost Rider'" is neither a great film nor a disaster. It's a decently done action film, which will probably appeal to bikers, superhero fans and horror buffs.

Based on the popular Marvel comic series, "Ghost Rider" is about a demonic motorcyclist who fights mostly supernatural menaces. He wields a mystical chain and his motorcycle can travel up buildings and ride through water. He can also look into the souls of villains and drive them crazy by bringing out their past sins.

The film stars Nicholas Cage, a talented actor who used to do many important films. Who can forget his turns in "Wild at Heart" and "Leaving Las Vegas?" Now he mostly stars in instantly forgettable movies. Here, Cage does a decent job playing the main character, Johnny Blaze, emphasizing the everyman aspects of the character. Cage is a big fan of the Ghost Rider comics, and he had to keep his Ghost Rider tattoo covered during the film.

Johnny Blaze is a trick motorcycle rider with a father/mentor in the same profession. When his dad develops cancer, Blaze makes a deal with Mephisto (played appropriately enough by "Easy Rider" star/biker-god, Peter Fonda) and gives up his soul so that his dad will be cured.

Mephisto (whose name is suspiciously similar to the demon Mephistopheles from "Faust") turns out to be the devil. Of course he double crosses Blaze. His dad is cured of cancer but dies in a stunt, anyway.

Blaze finds that he is possessed by a demon at night and gains incredible powers. He begins to gain control over the demon and his powers, but he still owes Mephisto a favor.

He reluctantly agrees to go after Mephisto's estranged son Blackheart, who wants to take over the world. Blackheart has some minions who control other elements like water and air, the way that Ghost Rider controls fire.

Blaze is helped in his mission by the caretaker (wonderfully played by Western regular, Sam Elliot) who knows about his situation, and has inside info about a previous ghost rider.

In the "X-Men" films, Hugh Jackman was basically impersonating Clint Eastwood when he played Wolverine. When Cage plays Johnny Blaze he seems to be channeling Elvis again (he was even better playing Elvis inspired characters before in "Wild at Heart" and "Leaving Las Vegas").

Other performances in the film range from convincing to boring. Wes Bentley is menacing as Blackheart, looking like a Goth/demon Johnny Cash or a shockabilly (not rockabilly) singer. But Eva Mendes's turn as Roxy, Blaze's childhood sweetheart turned reporter is pedestrian and her character comes off as a cheap Lois Lane rip-off.

"Ghost Rider" won't win many points for plausibility, and it could have used more humor and better dialog. But "Ghost Rider" contains its share of dazzling visual effects and great stunts. Audiences seeking a little mindless adventure and exciting action sequences might have a good time. Fans of the comic series probably won't be disappointed. Not every film has to be an Oscar contender.