Once you're a convicted character in the movies, your life span can continue far longer than it would be allowed in reality. In the film " The Chronicles of Reddick" we have such a warrior who for lack of better luck, is forever re-earning the title, hero. Richard Reddick (Vin Diesel) is the last Furian from his planet. We accept that, then we stumble over another Furian. Nevertheless, his race of people have been singled out for total genocide, by a war-driven nation called the Necromongers. Their leader is called The Lord Marshal (Colm Feore) who perceives himself a doomed man, due to the prophesy which warns, a Furian will take his life. To protect himself, he employs powerful people like his second in command. Lord Vaako (Karl Urban) and Dame Vaako (Thandie Newton) both swear allegiance to the Lord Marshal, but secretly scheme to take his place. Judi Dench plays Aereon, an 'Elemental.' She like 'The Purifier' (Linus Roache) are rare individuals who are necessary for security but cause concern to the Lord Marshal. If these were not enough to complicate Reddick's life, he must try and stay ahead of the band of Mercs, who vow to collect the high price on his head. The best of the Mercs is an old friend, soldier/warrior and experienced Mercenary named Toombs. (Nick Chinlund). The line of enemies is bad enough, but there's more like a special Universal religion called 'Under-verse' which promises utopia to the converted. Reddic and his friends are targeted for this and if they do not submit, then death. With all the special effects and grand art sets in this film, the movie should make itself very interesting if not down-right memorable. It's a great story, but pay close attention. ****
607 Reviews
Awesome sci fi flick
NateWatchesCoolMovies28 May 2016
David Twohy's Pitch Black was a dank, murky horror sci fi that took place inside a claustrophobic killing jar, all the action unfolding on one planet, and over a short amount of time. With The Chronicles Of Riddick, he lifts the lid off that jar, unveiling more planets, characters, creatures and broadening both the scope of what is seen visually and what takes place in the story. What began as a simple human vs. monster survival tale crystallizes into a full blown operatic space saga, and I loved every minute of it. Now there are a lot of people who hate it, and fine for them if they want to live inside such negativity. I was sold after the intro, in which a snarky, canine - like bounty hunter (Nick Chinlund) chases a haggard looking Riddick a across the bizarre, jagged face of a planet that would make the asteroid from Armageddon sweat. This film takes place sometime after Pitch Black, the few survivors scattered across the galaxy. There's a price on Riddick's head, which Toombs (Chinlund) intends to collect. Riddick unwittingly wanders into the path of something far more dangerous in his evasive efforts: a powerful, fascist master race known as the Necromongers are cutting a swath through the known universe, converting or killing anyone they find. They are led by the "" (Colm Feore), and commanded by Lord Vaako (another badass character for Karl Urban to another do to his rogue's gallery), a nasty piece of work who is further soured by his insidious wife (Thandie Newton). Riddick has encounter with them, as well as an old friend from former times (an all too brief Keith David) and is taken far and away, to a dangerous prison on a planet called Crematoria, where the wrecking ball of a sun fries everything on the surface every half hour or so. It all happens fast (and furious hehe), in a somewhat rushed frenzy of sci fi action, cool effects and surprisingly vicious antics for a PG-13 flick. Diesel was born to play Riddick, a growling night wolf of an antihero and endlessly watchable. There's all sorts of half Cooke ideas running around, some fun and others left unexplored. There's a prophecy involving the Purifier (Linus Roache) who has ties to Riddick's tragic past and the fate of his race, a strange elemental (Judi Dench looking confused), another person from his past (Alexa Davalos) and other intrigue involving Urban. Best to sit back and let it wash over you like the fun it is. Chinlund is hilarious as Toombs, the only character who seems to have wandered in from inner city L.A., a wide ass prick with a hate streak for Riddick and that old school charisma that carries scenes. The set pieces are exhilarating and make up for the plot which is at times spread too thinly, but never hurts the film. I love it, watch it all the time, let the haters sulk... more for us.
great movie - so underrated
luciendefoe8 July 2018
Just watched it and even 14years later it aged very well.
cant understand why this movie got so many bad critics..
this is a nice dystopian, fantasy, sci-fi, film noir alike action movie.
i like the style of the necromongers who could just jumped out of a hr giger sketchbook, the parts with the mercenaries, the prison planet, the visuals, the cast, the atmosphere, the story..
the end is also very nice and its so sad that due its bad critics it couldnt make quiet enough money at the box offices to convince the studios of a big budget thrid part..this could go so well..
nothing against part 3, but you know what i mean..
overall its a solid 8 in my eyes. go watch it!
i like the style of the necromongers who could just jumped out of a hr giger sketchbook, the parts with the mercenaries, the prison planet, the visuals, the cast, the atmosphere, the story..
the end is also very nice and its so sad that due its bad critics it couldnt make quiet enough money at the box offices to convince the studios of a big budget thrid part..this could go so well..
nothing against part 3, but you know what i mean..
overall its a solid 8 in my eyes. go watch it!
The best film of the Riddick movies, one of the very good fantasy/action movies in general!
Mivas_Greece29 November 2020
Fantasy / action movie. The 2nd film in the Riddick trilogy, changes style, does not follow the Alien style of the first, but emphasizes imagination and action. The threat here is conquerors who are somewhat reminiscent of Star Gate and seem powerful and invincible. Will the intelligent Riddick finally survive? Plenty of action, interesting plot, effects and generally a complete fantasy movie. The best film of the trilogy is recommended to everyone.
Once again Vin Diesel brings to life the vicious, calculating anti-hero Riddick
fredericksmith195219 March 2012
Once again Vin Diesel brings to life the vicious, calculating anti-hero Riddick, the convict who prefers to kill instead of negotiate. Riddick is living a life of arduous survival, preferring the isolation of the frozen planet to the company of humans. When he learns the Imam is the man who has set the bounty for him, he journeys to discover why. Keith David recreates the Imam from Pitch Black as if he had never left the role, and introduces us to Aereon, the elemental being in the form of Judi Dench, whose powerful acting and presence adds both drama and authenticity to the film. Nick Chinlund excels in a role custom made for him, and Colm Feore is magnificent as the Lord Marshal, the holy half-dead who has seen the Underverse. Linus Roache, in one of two films he has worked on with Diesel (the other, Find Me Guilty, perhaps led to his role as the Assistant DA on Law and Order), and while his role is not as big as I would have liked, his presence and eloquence as the Purifier adds significantly to the film. Karl Urban, who has appeared in other fantasy roles (Priest, Star Trek), presents a more powerful, controlled soldier of the faith, while Thandie Newton as his ambitious wife provides the right balance to the struggle for power within any authoritarian regime. Alexa Davalos is excellent as Kyra, defiant and deadly to the last. Even the extended version is rated PG-13 for language and violence, but little sexual content. Since Vin will be recreating Riddick in a third film next year, I would say this is a collectible if you are a fan of the first two, or just a fan of good science fiction.
The Chronicles of Riddick Director's Cut
dk77731 March 2021
The sequel, which is both an improvement and a deterioration at the same time, is an improvement that no longer has some irritating and unnecessary characters, and what is worsening is the PG-13 rating. The film lost what the first film had, with all its flaws, brutality and dark atmosphere. The director's version improved things somewhat, but the film failed precisely because of the PG-13 rating, making it lukewarm and too soft compared to the first part. The film isn't that bad, but you should definitely watch the director's version, not the theatrical version. In short, the rating refers to the director's version.
My favorite summer movie!
nixar5513 August 2004
Riddick might not have been the *best*-made movie this summer, but it was my favorite. It had more action than Spider-Man 2, and was darker than Harry Potter 3. I also think it had more interesting ideas and a greater visual flair than both of these films. Riddick was total escapist fun, with lots of funny one-liners and Vin Diesel playing his best character, Riddick. Other great performances were given by Karl Urban (looking very anti-Eomer in his black mohawk) and especially, the bounty hunter Tooms (?).
Sure, there were some plot holes, and some hammy acting (mostly Thandie Newton), but it was so refreshing to see an original "hero", one that wasn't a 100% pure teenage boy with magical powers. Sure, Harry Potter and Peter Parker may get tempted by evil, like all proper heroes, but audiences *know* they'll turn good again. Not so with Riddick; he lives in the dark side, making it actually surprising when he does something compassionate.
Also refreshing was a science fiction/fantasy story that didn't involve hobbits, computers, and massive swarms of CGI Agent Smith/orc armies. This movie was more like Dune, with an H.R. Giger edge. My only real complaint was that the movie was PG-13, when it should've been R, like "Pitch Black." And maybe that's why some of the violent scenes seemed choppy and confusing - to show enough to keep it PG-13. But the unrated DVD comes out in November.
Also, the ending of this movie was awesome: just really funny and cool. It left me smiling for awhile afterward.
Sure, there were some plot holes, and some hammy acting (mostly Thandie Newton), but it was so refreshing to see an original "hero", one that wasn't a 100% pure teenage boy with magical powers. Sure, Harry Potter and Peter Parker may get tempted by evil, like all proper heroes, but audiences *know* they'll turn good again. Not so with Riddick; he lives in the dark side, making it actually surprising when he does something compassionate.
Also refreshing was a science fiction/fantasy story that didn't involve hobbits, computers, and massive swarms of CGI Agent Smith/orc armies. This movie was more like Dune, with an H.R. Giger edge. My only real complaint was that the movie was PG-13, when it should've been R, like "Pitch Black." And maybe that's why some of the violent scenes seemed choppy and confusing - to show enough to keep it PG-13. But the unrated DVD comes out in November.
Also, the ending of this movie was awesome: just really funny and cool. It left me smiling for awhile afterward.
Entertaining
dworldeater17 April 2020
The Chronicles Of Riddick is an action oriented sequel to the more Alien/horror influenced Pitch Black. Riddick is hunted by mercenaries and must save the universe from Necromongers. To say that this movie is ridiculous is an understatement, but in its own way it works. This is by no means a great film, it is a step above something that would by made by the Syfi Channel. Vin Diesel won't win any acting awards, but he is right for and nails the brooding antihero superhero Riddick. The acting is about what you would expect for a B sci fi actioner, but it does have Keith David returning briefly and Karl Urban is amusing as an armored and mulleted villain. The special f/x are really bad and dated early CGI. Overall this movie is really campy and over the top fantasy science fiction. The Chronicles Of Riddick is very action packed and Vin Diesel has a strange chrasisma as Riddick that somehow works. This series of films may not be for everyone, but everyone I know that is really into science fiction loves the franchise and this installment is by far the most action packed. Overall, this may not be the best movie and it definitely is a bit cheesy, but it is imaginitive and creative enough to deserve some merit and it works as some fast paced over the top entertainment with a tsunami of butt kicking.
Two Hours of Special Effects in Search of a Movie
w00f15 June 2004
One of the first lessons of movie-watching; never waste time on a movie where the lead actor is also a producer. All too often, such films end up a someone's vehicle for themself, and that's exactly what this movie is. It's an even worse situation where the actor/producer is a very bad actor, which is what Vin Diesel is.
The problems start from the very outset of the film. There's a back story here that goes beyond it's predecessor, "Pitch Black." Things are talked about that the viewer has no clue to. Even the contrived use of a narration at the beginning of the film and the tried-and-failed "let's hear what's going on in the character's head" convenience (a la "Dune: The Disaster") can't straighten things out. The thoughts in Vin Diesel's head, it seems, ring as hollow as his performance. Even to use the word "performance" seems false.
It seems that a good deal of thought went into finding dramatic ways for Riddick to remove his goggles. From the side, the back, the front... those goggles are so important that a prison guard at one point tells Riddick that he's going to keep them after Riddick dies. Who really cares? Jeez, spend the $10 and go buy a pair of swim goggles at Target like everyone else!
This is, as far as I could figure out, supposed to be an action film. That makes it especially sad that the action sequences, particularly the fights, are shot in such a choppy, flash-flash-flash manner that one can't see what's going on. I suspect that the director had a bunch of poorly choreographed, clunky sequences and had them edited for highlights, resulting in scenes that look more like a series of still photographs than a film.
The script in this film is unbelievably bad. It tries so hard to be clever and catchy, and it ends up sounding amazingly stilted. For example, mercenaries are called "merks." The bad guys are the "Necromongers," and Riddick is a member of the race of "Furians." PLEASE, STOP. Necromongers? Furians? It all comes out sounding more like the dialogue delivered by junior high school kids playing a role playing game like a script. Diesel's delivery, flat and listless, only adds to the desire to grab some earplugs and wish that one were enjoying a summer on Crematoria...
If "Riddick" could have had one saving grace, it was the set design. The design was reminiscent of the work of H.R. Geiger in places, with good subtlety and eerie tones, bringing to mind everything from "Alien" to "Hellraiser." Unfortunately, even that peters out for long, tedious stretches of chase sequences across fake-looking desert mountains and forgettable caverns.
All in all, "The Chronicles of Riddick" is really just a couple of tedious hours of special effects desperately in search of a story which, sadly for the audience, never materializes. If one can get past all of the shortcomings of this movie, then I suppose one could enjoy it. Of course, getting past all the shortcomings would involve walking straight past the theater and doing something more interesting... like watching paint dry, or screwing a cakestand into one's pelvis.
The main problem with this film, though, is the misleading title. Two syllables were left off the end of the main character's name: "u" and "lous."
The problems start from the very outset of the film. There's a back story here that goes beyond it's predecessor, "Pitch Black." Things are talked about that the viewer has no clue to. Even the contrived use of a narration at the beginning of the film and the tried-and-failed "let's hear what's going on in the character's head" convenience (a la "Dune: The Disaster") can't straighten things out. The thoughts in Vin Diesel's head, it seems, ring as hollow as his performance. Even to use the word "performance" seems false.
It seems that a good deal of thought went into finding dramatic ways for Riddick to remove his goggles. From the side, the back, the front... those goggles are so important that a prison guard at one point tells Riddick that he's going to keep them after Riddick dies. Who really cares? Jeez, spend the $10 and go buy a pair of swim goggles at Target like everyone else!
This is, as far as I could figure out, supposed to be an action film. That makes it especially sad that the action sequences, particularly the fights, are shot in such a choppy, flash-flash-flash manner that one can't see what's going on. I suspect that the director had a bunch of poorly choreographed, clunky sequences and had them edited for highlights, resulting in scenes that look more like a series of still photographs than a film.
The script in this film is unbelievably bad. It tries so hard to be clever and catchy, and it ends up sounding amazingly stilted. For example, mercenaries are called "merks." The bad guys are the "Necromongers," and Riddick is a member of the race of "Furians." PLEASE, STOP. Necromongers? Furians? It all comes out sounding more like the dialogue delivered by junior high school kids playing a role playing game like a script. Diesel's delivery, flat and listless, only adds to the desire to grab some earplugs and wish that one were enjoying a summer on Crematoria...
If "Riddick" could have had one saving grace, it was the set design. The design was reminiscent of the work of H.R. Geiger in places, with good subtlety and eerie tones, bringing to mind everything from "Alien" to "Hellraiser." Unfortunately, even that peters out for long, tedious stretches of chase sequences across fake-looking desert mountains and forgettable caverns.
All in all, "The Chronicles of Riddick" is really just a couple of tedious hours of special effects desperately in search of a story which, sadly for the audience, never materializes. If one can get past all of the shortcomings of this movie, then I suppose one could enjoy it. Of course, getting past all the shortcomings would involve walking straight past the theater and doing something more interesting... like watching paint dry, or screwing a cakestand into one's pelvis.
The main problem with this film, though, is the misleading title. Two syllables were left off the end of the main character's name: "u" and "lous."
Very Underrated Movie
cjsteltz15 May 2005
I am not sure why this movie caught to much bad press. It is a very very solid sci-fi/action movie. Its completely different from the first one but in a good way. Pitch Black was sci-fi/horror not action. The action sequences in this are amazing as well as the fight sequences. Vin Diesel was born to play this character like Arnold to the Terminator. The special effects, fights and action make this movie a balls to the wall fun flick. If you have not seen it because of all the nay sayers, I say hogwash, wow never thought i would use hogwash in a sentence. I've seen this one three times now with different people and everyone who sees it ends up really liking it and asking themselves why they haven't seen it before this. Check this one out for certain.
I really like this movie.
slimecity-386637 July 2019
I am a dead keen good scifi fan and I love this movie. Of course its a bit bloated, bombastic, and it has vin diesel in it (you can almost hear him saying to the director "film my jumping over this while i flex like crazy....). However it has some great actors in it - Judi Dench (?!), Tandi Newton, Colm Feore, Linus Roache, and NZ's own Karl Urban. But the great thing about this movie, is that its not afraid to take on a big subject - a race of inter-planetary "World Eaters", who, if they cannot convert you, will kill you. The effects are utterly superb - the sunrise on the planet Crematoria is a highlight, and is the bad guys invasion on Helion Prime. What I really love about this movie is the risks taken with the technology - which I havent seen in any other scifi - the "ion trails" left be slowly rotating space-craft, the "lensers" used by the bad guys to find people, the fact that craft use craft radiating black swirls of ant-matter to hover and move around, the bad guys flying citadels, the bad guy leader's powers (after he has seen the under-verse), and the way that soldiers are teleported to a planets surface. Great care has been taken with the tech, as well as the whole background and story of this universe. Quite frankly, this film is sadly underrated, and far more interesting that its quite sparse and one-note prequel and sequel.
Deserving of Riddick-ule
dr_foreman24 May 2007
Sometimes, I think science fiction fans will automatically love anything with aliens and spaceships, regardless of whether it's actually any good. I hate to sound obnoxious, but some fans really don't seem to discern between quality entertainment featuring spaceships, and total dreck featuring spaceships - like "The Chronicles of Riddick."
I mean, really, I can't think of a single original idea in this movie's script. It's a cut-and-paste version of "Flash Gordon" and "Star Wars," complete with a cannibalized mythology which is expounded upon at tedious length. The villainous Necromongers, with their dull philosophizing about life and death, come across like lame Conan knockoffs (and utterly fail to appear even minutely menacing). Poor Judi Dench, meanwhile, is forced to flit about in special effects form and explain all the baloney rules of this particular baloney sci-fi universe.
Perhaps I could forgive the movie if it looked good. But the fight scenes are disjointed, and the special effects are as fake-looking as they are elaborate. Besides, the whole aesthetic is too reminiscent of "The Fifth Element," another overdone sci-fi film that failed to capture a broad audience.
I don't think I'm a particularly brilliant writer, but if you gave me a legal pad, a pen, and a weekend in a secluded cabin, I could probably write a better sci-fi film than this one. I could certainly dream up a richer and more imaginative sci-fi Universe, too - preferably one free of Necromongers, Furians, and really hot planets called "Crematoria."
I mean, really, I can't think of a single original idea in this movie's script. It's a cut-and-paste version of "Flash Gordon" and "Star Wars," complete with a cannibalized mythology which is expounded upon at tedious length. The villainous Necromongers, with their dull philosophizing about life and death, come across like lame Conan knockoffs (and utterly fail to appear even minutely menacing). Poor Judi Dench, meanwhile, is forced to flit about in special effects form and explain all the baloney rules of this particular baloney sci-fi universe.
Perhaps I could forgive the movie if it looked good. But the fight scenes are disjointed, and the special effects are as fake-looking as they are elaborate. Besides, the whole aesthetic is too reminiscent of "The Fifth Element," another overdone sci-fi film that failed to capture a broad audience.
I don't think I'm a particularly brilliant writer, but if you gave me a legal pad, a pen, and a weekend in a secluded cabin, I could probably write a better sci-fi film than this one. I could certainly dream up a richer and more imaginative sci-fi Universe, too - preferably one free of Necromongers, Furians, and really hot planets called "Crematoria."
underrated to the extreme
mancunianfatman30 December 2011
what the hell ???? I've heard and read about so many people bitching and moaning at how much they dislike this movie as compared to pitch black, but honestly i think this one is fantastic (although undeniably pitch black was much better).
Its basically the character Riddick from the pitch black movie in his own adventure fighting monsters , avoiding authorities and escaping a prison . in a nutshell thats what it is and thats what you get . people complained that this one strives too far from the feeling that the original pitch black gave us , but thats not necessarily a bad thing is it ? its a new take on an expanded universe created for the soul purpose of telling the story of this character.
If you love pitch black then there's no reason you shouldn't lover this one. I feel it necessary to say that Vin Diesel being nominated for worst actor in this movie is scandalous. Top film bad critics - end of story!
Its basically the character Riddick from the pitch black movie in his own adventure fighting monsters , avoiding authorities and escaping a prison . in a nutshell thats what it is and thats what you get . people complained that this one strives too far from the feeling that the original pitch black gave us , but thats not necessarily a bad thing is it ? its a new take on an expanded universe created for the soul purpose of telling the story of this character.
If you love pitch black then there's no reason you shouldn't lover this one. I feel it necessary to say that Vin Diesel being nominated for worst actor in this movie is scandalous. Top film bad critics - end of story!
A bit too much of a Vin Diesel "pose fest", but has considerable merit as an Sci Fi action flick
lemon_magic28 August 2005
I was looking forward to this movie before it came out, as much for the presence of the director (David Twohy) as its big name actor (Vin Diesel, returning as "Riddick"). I liked the setting - a future universe with humanity scattered across a thousand worlds, each world only loosely associated or connected with the others. In such a future, there seems to be no "Federation" or "Republic" to help the worlds of humanity act as a united front. So when a fascist threat such as the Necromongers arises and begin conquering planet after planet, the remaining worlds can only listen for rumors of distant disaster and genocide and wait for their turn to fall, one by one.
Twohy's future universe is a much colder and meaner place than the beloved worlds of 'Star Wars' or "Star Trek'. Money and commerce rule over all, mercenaries and prison planets are a vital part of the social fabric of human society, and if one nation or world disappears, dies, or is destroyed, there is no one to protest or avenge it.
In such a world, a character such as Riddick makes sense.
TCOR is an all out attempt to create an immersive future universe, with enormous amounts of money and effort set on background CGI, set design, costume design, props and weapons. Seriously, I haven't seen that much money on the screen this side of George Lucas. The results may not be to everyone's taste - it's as if the cover artists for the magazine "Metal Hurlant" wanted H.R. Giger's baby and sublimated it with an obsession for Roman and Spartan battle masks and leather and spikes. I liked the designs and the careful depiction of future tech (field distortion effects for weapons and thrusters, cold sleep hibernation,ion trails, humans turned into cybernetic blood hounds, etc) but even I found it oppressive and irritating at some points. Other viewers might hate it outright.
The screenplay is a hyperkinetic mess, but is also a meth addict's dream come true - the story bounces back and forth, all over the universe, and features much brutality and gruesome macho horse manure. Some of it just doesn't make much sense (for instance, when Riddick has the pursuing merc boss at his mercy, why doesn't he just kill him, instead of letting him live to pursue him again? After all, Riddick just killed everyone else on the merc crew!) Young men of a certain age will probably find it irresistible, but it doesn't have a lot of heart to it.
As for Diesel's worth as an actor? Well, he is what he is. I like him, some people can't stand him, others think he's good but not nearly as good as he pretends. I believe if you go into this with an open mind (not thinking about the critical backlash from "XXX" or "Fast and the Furious") and give him (and the character) a chance, you'll probably enjoy his performance here. He's a lug, and he spends a little too much time posing and showing off his deltoids, but he can carry it off.
Hell, if I had arms like that, I'd cut the sleeves off my sports coats to show them off, so I can't really blame him too much.
The supporting cast is strong. Colm Feore is always a pleasure to watch, even when he's chewing the scenery. David Keith is in the first 1/3 of the movie in the OTHER returning role from "Pitch Black" (I don't count "Kyra", because she's played by a different,older actress), and he is his usual splendid self as well.
Can't recommend this movie unreservedly - you may hate the way this future universe looks, and you may hate Diesel as a furry voiced misanthrope. But there is plenty here to like, especially if you like visions of the future by creators like Jack Vance, Alfred Bester or Cordwainer Smith, rather than Isaac Asimov or Theodore Sturgeon.
Twohy's future universe is a much colder and meaner place than the beloved worlds of 'Star Wars' or "Star Trek'. Money and commerce rule over all, mercenaries and prison planets are a vital part of the social fabric of human society, and if one nation or world disappears, dies, or is destroyed, there is no one to protest or avenge it.
In such a world, a character such as Riddick makes sense.
TCOR is an all out attempt to create an immersive future universe, with enormous amounts of money and effort set on background CGI, set design, costume design, props and weapons. Seriously, I haven't seen that much money on the screen this side of George Lucas. The results may not be to everyone's taste - it's as if the cover artists for the magazine "Metal Hurlant" wanted H.R. Giger's baby and sublimated it with an obsession for Roman and Spartan battle masks and leather and spikes. I liked the designs and the careful depiction of future tech (field distortion effects for weapons and thrusters, cold sleep hibernation,ion trails, humans turned into cybernetic blood hounds, etc) but even I found it oppressive and irritating at some points. Other viewers might hate it outright.
The screenplay is a hyperkinetic mess, but is also a meth addict's dream come true - the story bounces back and forth, all over the universe, and features much brutality and gruesome macho horse manure. Some of it just doesn't make much sense (for instance, when Riddick has the pursuing merc boss at his mercy, why doesn't he just kill him, instead of letting him live to pursue him again? After all, Riddick just killed everyone else on the merc crew!) Young men of a certain age will probably find it irresistible, but it doesn't have a lot of heart to it.
As for Diesel's worth as an actor? Well, he is what he is. I like him, some people can't stand him, others think he's good but not nearly as good as he pretends. I believe if you go into this with an open mind (not thinking about the critical backlash from "XXX" or "Fast and the Furious") and give him (and the character) a chance, you'll probably enjoy his performance here. He's a lug, and he spends a little too much time posing and showing off his deltoids, but he can carry it off.
Hell, if I had arms like that, I'd cut the sleeves off my sports coats to show them off, so I can't really blame him too much.
The supporting cast is strong. Colm Feore is always a pleasure to watch, even when he's chewing the scenery. David Keith is in the first 1/3 of the movie in the OTHER returning role from "Pitch Black" (I don't count "Kyra", because she's played by a different,older actress), and he is his usual splendid self as well.
Can't recommend this movie unreservedly - you may hate the way this future universe looks, and you may hate Diesel as a furry voiced misanthrope. But there is plenty here to like, especially if you like visions of the future by creators like Jack Vance, Alfred Bester or Cordwainer Smith, rather than Isaac Asimov or Theodore Sturgeon.
A nice and nail-biting sequel that will keep you on the edge of your seat , being well starred and splendily directed
ma-cortes22 October 2018
Intriguing as well as intelligent Sci-fi movie , being compellingly directed by a good filmmaker , David Twohy . It stars an awesome cast : Colm Feore , Thandie Newton , Judi Dench , Alexa Davalos , Karl Urban , Linus Roache and Keith David . Exciting film packs intrigue , intense scenes , noisy action , chills and astonishing suspense . In this is a science fiction thriller Riddick (breakthrough film role of actor Vin Diesel) is at an unknown planet with various suns and apparently no life and where mysterious events spread across the land , he is a survivor who is marooned on a strange location and an aircraft piloted by a bounty hunter called Toombs (Nick Chinlund) goes after him . Then Riddick arrives on a planet called Helion Prime, and finds himself up against an invading empire called the Necromongers, whose leader is a warrior priest who is the chief of a sect with a powerful army commanded by Lord Marshal (Colm Feore) , his ominous deputy (Karl Urban) and commander-in-chief (Linus Roache) , that plan to convert or kill all humans by using freak deadly storm over the planets . This is a decent sequel titled ¨The chronicles of Riddick¨ (2004) in which the wanted criminal Riddick arrives on a planet called Helion Prime full of bloodthirsty creatures and finds himself up against an invading empire . But then , they learn that a merciless enemy is about to appear .The greatest danger facing our starring has been the planet's best kept secret...until now . Later on , the ominous Necromongers to be aware the Riddick's arrival at night . There Riddick meets an ethereal being , Aereon (Judi Dench) , an ambassador from the Elemental race who helps him to vanquish the nasty Necromangers .
Fast-moving , creepy , and gory Sci-Fi with thrills , chills , suspense and some familiar elements from the previous outing . This is a pretty good as well as scary movie with violent events ,thrills , intriguing incidents , starked outdoors , and chilling scenes . Interesting screenplay from Jim Wheat , Ken Wheat and David Twohy , dealing with Riddick battling the hideous invaders called the Necromongers, with an army that schemes to murder the population in the world , though the character of Riddick was a woman in an early rough draft of the script. The Pitch Black (2000) original film was supposed to be a standalone film. But, during production, Vin Diesel, and the cast and crew had become intrigued by the character of Riddick, and the ending, in which Riddick was supposed to die, was changed, so a possible sequel with Vin Diesel returning as Riddick could happen. The film spawned three sequels, Dark fury (animated) , Chronicles of Riddick (2004) and Riddick (2013). Vin Diesel gives a hard-ass acting , as usual , as an escaped convict with a bounty on his head who has nothing to lose .The contact lenses Vin Diesel wore in the movie, while a prototype during production, were briefly available to the public from Lens Quest following the release of the film . Diesel said that while shooting the scenes where his character was in a suspended animation , he had a claustrophobia attack at one point during shooting and had to be taken out of the chamber. Nice support cast such as Colm Feore , Karl Urban ,Thandie Newton, Judi Dench , Chistina Cox ,Yorick van Wageningen , Linus Roache and again the beautiful Alexa Davalos . It was given a "PG-13¨ for intense sequences of violent action , profanity and some bad language. An unrated version, with more violence and language was later released. The fantastic creatures and various monsters were perfectly designed by Patrick Tatopoulos and excellent production design , as the Necromonger statues are based on the sculptures of Adolfo Wildt. Besides , hundreds of extras went through basic military training and drills for added uniformity and realism. Thrilling and stirring musical score by Graeme Revell . Colorful cinematography by Hugh Johnson , replacing David Eggby, he shows splendidly the bizarre landscapes from Burnaby , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and New Deal studios , Los Angeles
The motion picture was well written and directed by David Twohy , it had a 60 days shooting schedule. David is an expert writer and director of competent Sci-Fi movies . As his first picture was the acceptable ¨Timescape¨ . He also wrote ¨Warlock¨, ¨Waterworld ¨, a script for ¨Alien 3¨ in 1988, but it was rejected . Back in May of 2000 , Fox Studios once inquired for his availability to write and direct "AVP: Alien vs. Predator" , but turned down the offer due to scheduling conflicts . David subsequently directed ¨Below¨, the successful ¨Pitch Black¨ with Radha Mitchell , Cole Hauser , Claudia Black , Lewis Fitzgerald , Simon Burke , John Moore and Keith David . Furthermore , a third installment : ¨Riddick¨ (2013) in which left for dead on a sun-scorched planet, Riddick finds himself up against an alien race of predators , it stars : Jordi Mollà , Katee Sackhoff , Dave Bautista , Matt Nable , Bokeem Woodbine , Raoul Trujillo , Conrad Pla , and , of course , Vin Diesel .
Fast-moving , creepy , and gory Sci-Fi with thrills , chills , suspense and some familiar elements from the previous outing . This is a pretty good as well as scary movie with violent events ,thrills , intriguing incidents , starked outdoors , and chilling scenes . Interesting screenplay from Jim Wheat , Ken Wheat and David Twohy , dealing with Riddick battling the hideous invaders called the Necromongers, with an army that schemes to murder the population in the world , though the character of Riddick was a woman in an early rough draft of the script. The Pitch Black (2000) original film was supposed to be a standalone film. But, during production, Vin Diesel, and the cast and crew had become intrigued by the character of Riddick, and the ending, in which Riddick was supposed to die, was changed, so a possible sequel with Vin Diesel returning as Riddick could happen. The film spawned three sequels, Dark fury (animated) , Chronicles of Riddick (2004) and Riddick (2013). Vin Diesel gives a hard-ass acting , as usual , as an escaped convict with a bounty on his head who has nothing to lose .The contact lenses Vin Diesel wore in the movie, while a prototype during production, were briefly available to the public from Lens Quest following the release of the film . Diesel said that while shooting the scenes where his character was in a suspended animation , he had a claustrophobia attack at one point during shooting and had to be taken out of the chamber. Nice support cast such as Colm Feore , Karl Urban ,Thandie Newton, Judi Dench , Chistina Cox ,Yorick van Wageningen , Linus Roache and again the beautiful Alexa Davalos . It was given a "PG-13¨ for intense sequences of violent action , profanity and some bad language. An unrated version, with more violence and language was later released. The fantastic creatures and various monsters were perfectly designed by Patrick Tatopoulos and excellent production design , as the Necromonger statues are based on the sculptures of Adolfo Wildt. Besides , hundreds of extras went through basic military training and drills for added uniformity and realism. Thrilling and stirring musical score by Graeme Revell . Colorful cinematography by Hugh Johnson , replacing David Eggby, he shows splendidly the bizarre landscapes from Burnaby , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and New Deal studios , Los Angeles
The motion picture was well written and directed by David Twohy , it had a 60 days shooting schedule. David is an expert writer and director of competent Sci-Fi movies . As his first picture was the acceptable ¨Timescape¨ . He also wrote ¨Warlock¨, ¨Waterworld ¨, a script for ¨Alien 3¨ in 1988, but it was rejected . Back in May of 2000 , Fox Studios once inquired for his availability to write and direct "AVP: Alien vs. Predator" , but turned down the offer due to scheduling conflicts . David subsequently directed ¨Below¨, the successful ¨Pitch Black¨ with Radha Mitchell , Cole Hauser , Claudia Black , Lewis Fitzgerald , Simon Burke , John Moore and Keith David . Furthermore , a third installment : ¨Riddick¨ (2013) in which left for dead on a sun-scorched planet, Riddick finds himself up against an alien race of predators , it stars : Jordi Mollà , Katee Sackhoff , Dave Bautista , Matt Nable , Bokeem Woodbine , Raoul Trujillo , Conrad Pla , and , of course , Vin Diesel .
Why compare when you can enjoy?
kamyk20007 December 2004
I thought this movie was riveting. It did start a little slow, but soon thereafter caught my full attention. I had to change mental gears from expecting a Pitch Black sequel/clone, but not in a bad way at all. And there ARE tie-ins with Pitch Black plainly evident unless you aren't particularly observant or haven't seen Pitch Black. I thought the special effects were some of the best I have seen in a very long time, and after I began to become adjusted to the more involved background story, I found it engrossing. I felt that the characters had some depth to them. Enough for me to care a little about a few of them anyway, and Riddick became a little less of a cardboard cut-out, and a little more intricate in this movie. Some of the action sequences are also pretty impressive. I find it quite disappointing that this did not do better in theaters, and intend my rental to become a purchase. I hope that they continue the series with the next one? or two? movies that have been rumored to be following.
Those who found the movie itself disappointing, I would guess would be: 1) Hardcore sci-fi, or action movie fans who spent way too much time making mental comparisons to their favorite storyline/universe, or acting star during a movie to actually just enjoy the movie. 2) People who just wanted straight up action without all of the intricate details of a sci-fi storyline. 3) People expecting a sequel to Pitch black that didn't grow or expand on the storyline or character, who couldn't switch gears.
I took this film as THIS film, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I did not spend the entire movie making mental comparisons to other sci-fi or action movies or stars. Yes some of it's ideas have been used before. So what? Plumbing was an idea used by the ancient Greek and roman civilizations. Should we not use plumbing, because someone else used it before? If you spend all of the time during the movie making comparisons, then you might not give the movie the full attention it deserves.
For any who enjoy a good sci-fi action movie with a little thought behind it, and don't have some holy grail to compare it with, I would highly recommend this one.
Those who found the movie itself disappointing, I would guess would be: 1) Hardcore sci-fi, or action movie fans who spent way too much time making mental comparisons to their favorite storyline/universe, or acting star during a movie to actually just enjoy the movie. 2) People who just wanted straight up action without all of the intricate details of a sci-fi storyline. 3) People expecting a sequel to Pitch black that didn't grow or expand on the storyline or character, who couldn't switch gears.
I took this film as THIS film, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I did not spend the entire movie making mental comparisons to other sci-fi or action movies or stars. Yes some of it's ideas have been used before. So what? Plumbing was an idea used by the ancient Greek and roman civilizations. Should we not use plumbing, because someone else used it before? If you spend all of the time during the movie making comparisons, then you might not give the movie the full attention it deserves.
For any who enjoy a good sci-fi action movie with a little thought behind it, and don't have some holy grail to compare it with, I would highly recommend this one.
6.1 is a strange result
don_hunter19 April 2005
This is one weird rating from all the fine subscribers to IMDb. For the first time in, my albeit limited experience, the previously flawless rating system has, in my opinion, got it way wrong.
This movie is almost superb. Kind of LOTR meets Star Wars, with more humour (intentional British spelling by the way).
The direction, special effects, plot, music, screenplay, cast performance, and entertainment value are all truly fabulous! I suspect that those who went to see it had decided beforehand that it would be rubbish in the way of a self-fulfilling prophecy. That does sound a bit smug, but this film is way, way better than 6.1! It will be something of a travesty if Riddick and Pitch Black before it, are not built on with the other, previously planned, releases.
If you haven't seen it, please do so - enter uncommitted and leave smiling knowing that you spent a good $ or £ or whatever! Don H.
This movie is almost superb. Kind of LOTR meets Star Wars, with more humour (intentional British spelling by the way).
The direction, special effects, plot, music, screenplay, cast performance, and entertainment value are all truly fabulous! I suspect that those who went to see it had decided beforehand that it would be rubbish in the way of a self-fulfilling prophecy. That does sound a bit smug, but this film is way, way better than 6.1! It will be something of a travesty if Riddick and Pitch Black before it, are not built on with the other, previously planned, releases.
If you haven't seen it, please do so - enter uncommitted and leave smiling knowing that you spent a good $ or £ or whatever! Don H.
Fun but over-ambitious baroque sci-fi
DrLex25 February 2009
The main problem with this movie is that it is over-ambitious to say the least. Its predecessor, 'Pitch Black', was simple in its design and this was one of the reasons for its success. Although there appeared to be more behind PB's main characters, we only got a glimpse of their backgrounds. This made them the more interesting. In 'Chronicles', we are bombarded with an overload of information and detail. Not just about the characters, but of the entire universe in which they live. After seeing 'Chronicles', pretty much every question you might have about Riddick is likely to be answered. There is a hint to a sequel, but it could take a while before they can imagine enough new material to compensate for all the creative ammo they used up here. As I'll explain below, a prequel may be a better option.
The whole set-up of 'Chronicles' feels like they wanted to fit the characters ported over from 'Pitch Black' into a more elaborate framework, and asked a team of writers to construct an entire detailed universe around those characters, with every planet and race plotted out, histories and everything included. It's as if they had a Star Wars-like universe constructed on demand. The major difference with Star Wars is that instead of using the universe as a vehicle to present interesting and developing characters, 'Chronicles' seems to be more about the universe itself than the characters. I guess the universe was expensive to create, so they wanted to show off as much of it as they could. The most interesting character development is probably to be found somewhere in the universe's design documents, and may end up in books based on the same universe, or a prequel.
Not just the story, but the entire movie breathes excess in its set pieces and visuals. It has a definite 'upgraded Dune' feel to it. The obsession for baroque design by the Necromonger race in 'Chronicles' seems to have spilled over to the directors. The amount of CGI is humongous. I believe the actors spent most of their time acting in front of blue and green screens. This wouldn't be so much of a problem if it didn't show: the CGI has this 'glossy' feel to it that makes it look like the graphics in many current video-games, and I'm afraid it will make the movie look dated in the near future.
Then there are the action scenes: it seems like the directors wanted to show so much of the fighting that in the end, there's nothing to see because of the extremely jerky and flashy editing. At many times it's just impossible to see what happens. I don't recommend this movie to people with epilepsy.
Nevertheless, if you're willing to sit through the history lessons, 'Chronicles' is a load of fun. Maybe not in the way the makers intended it, but at least through the sometimes (insert over-used pun if desired) ridiculous extravagance of the whole thing, for instance the improbable costumes and decorations of the space ships. The funny one-liners you'd expect from a Vin Diesel movie are present. There are some interesting action scenes next to the choppy ones, and at a few scarce moments you may even get a hint of the suspense that made Pitch Black so great. Stripped from its complicated universe, the story is pretty simple but it does the job.
Overall, 'Chronicles' is far from the masterpiece it aspires to be, but it's still OK entertainment. If it does bore you, you can still amuse yourself by counting how many times Riddick takes off and puts on his goggles for dramatic effect.
The whole set-up of 'Chronicles' feels like they wanted to fit the characters ported over from 'Pitch Black' into a more elaborate framework, and asked a team of writers to construct an entire detailed universe around those characters, with every planet and race plotted out, histories and everything included. It's as if they had a Star Wars-like universe constructed on demand. The major difference with Star Wars is that instead of using the universe as a vehicle to present interesting and developing characters, 'Chronicles' seems to be more about the universe itself than the characters. I guess the universe was expensive to create, so they wanted to show off as much of it as they could. The most interesting character development is probably to be found somewhere in the universe's design documents, and may end up in books based on the same universe, or a prequel.
Not just the story, but the entire movie breathes excess in its set pieces and visuals. It has a definite 'upgraded Dune' feel to it. The obsession for baroque design by the Necromonger race in 'Chronicles' seems to have spilled over to the directors. The amount of CGI is humongous. I believe the actors spent most of their time acting in front of blue and green screens. This wouldn't be so much of a problem if it didn't show: the CGI has this 'glossy' feel to it that makes it look like the graphics in many current video-games, and I'm afraid it will make the movie look dated in the near future.
Then there are the action scenes: it seems like the directors wanted to show so much of the fighting that in the end, there's nothing to see because of the extremely jerky and flashy editing. At many times it's just impossible to see what happens. I don't recommend this movie to people with epilepsy.
Nevertheless, if you're willing to sit through the history lessons, 'Chronicles' is a load of fun. Maybe not in the way the makers intended it, but at least through the sometimes (insert over-used pun if desired) ridiculous extravagance of the whole thing, for instance the improbable costumes and decorations of the space ships. The funny one-liners you'd expect from a Vin Diesel movie are present. There are some interesting action scenes next to the choppy ones, and at a few scarce moments you may even get a hint of the suspense that made Pitch Black so great. Stripped from its complicated universe, the story is pretty simple but it does the job.
Overall, 'Chronicles' is far from the masterpiece it aspires to be, but it's still OK entertainment. If it does bore you, you can still amuse yourself by counting how many times Riddick takes off and puts on his goggles for dramatic effect.
The Chronicles of Riddick: I see why it flopped
Platypuschow15 October 2018
I thought Pitch Black (2000) was a competently made movie and though it didn't exactly blow me away it did impress me to an extent.
Cashing in on it's popularity seemed like good business, but ironically that was literally the opposite of what it turned out to be.
The Chronicles of Riddick is one of those strange beasts that was pretty much critically acclaimed and has masses of fans, but financially it bombed and bombed big time.
The movie see's our oddly eyed hero on another adventure, this time with the fate of billions at stake and possibly a foe from his past rearing their head.
With a stellar cast and a budget of just over 100 million this should have been something considerably more impressive than it was.
Riddled with cliches, over-acting and hammy performances from the likes of Diesel and the usually excellent Feore, and honestly very little going for it I was astounded just how crappy the film looked in places. How can a movie with this level of budget have moments of such utter tosh cgi?
I get the appeal of Riddick, I just don't like the universe that he resides in. Sure I'm not a big sci-fi guy so immediatly it was at a disadvantage but I still recognise quality and this wasn't it.
The Good:
Nick Chinlund & Alexa Davalos
The Bad:
There is something about this type of film I can never take seriously
Some weirdly poor cgi
Very underwhelming stuff
Things I Learnt From This Movie:
Women see greatness in men who beat them
I can't take that one actor seriously anymore, everytime I see him I think of him drunkenly singing in the postroom with Buddy the elf
Cashing in on it's popularity seemed like good business, but ironically that was literally the opposite of what it turned out to be.
The Chronicles of Riddick is one of those strange beasts that was pretty much critically acclaimed and has masses of fans, but financially it bombed and bombed big time.
The movie see's our oddly eyed hero on another adventure, this time with the fate of billions at stake and possibly a foe from his past rearing their head.
With a stellar cast and a budget of just over 100 million this should have been something considerably more impressive than it was.
Riddled with cliches, over-acting and hammy performances from the likes of Diesel and the usually excellent Feore, and honestly very little going for it I was astounded just how crappy the film looked in places. How can a movie with this level of budget have moments of such utter tosh cgi?
I get the appeal of Riddick, I just don't like the universe that he resides in. Sure I'm not a big sci-fi guy so immediatly it was at a disadvantage but I still recognise quality and this wasn't it.
The Good:
Nick Chinlund & Alexa Davalos
The Bad:
There is something about this type of film I can never take seriously
Some weirdly poor cgi
Very underwhelming stuff
Things I Learnt From This Movie:
Women see greatness in men who beat them
I can't take that one actor seriously anymore, everytime I see him I think of him drunkenly singing in the postroom with Buddy the elf
A matter of taste
sonofnob9 April 2005
Just had fun watching TCOR and am pretty happy about it. Good action, great visual stuff. A worthy successor to Pitch Black, though the two films are hardly related. Vin Diesel does a good and convincing job at playing an action antihero. As usual, Judy Dench adds to the film, even though her role is small here. The story is pure pulp SF and is short and predictable but is refreshingly dark and (mostly) unsentimental. It actually also has some interesting bits and nice side stories as a (smallish) bonus. Bits and pieces have been copied from Dune, without the film being a Dune copy. Compared to Dune, TCOR has more action and fewer Lynch oddities & boring bits. In my book, both films are good, about equally so.
Reading some of the other reviews, it seems that people are fairly polarized in their opinions of this film. Like most pulp science fiction, it takes a different sort of suspension of belief from that which makes usual films work. However, the action makes it a fair bit easier, and I found it a lot more engrossing and convincing than any of the five (ridiculous but entertaining) Star Wars films, the uniformly unwatchable Star Trek stuff, or, for that matter, most blockbusting light entertainments. But that is just me. If you hate Dune, exaggerated action scenes, or (minor) plot inconsistencies, then you probably won't like this film. Otherwise, chances are good that you will.
Reading some of the other reviews, it seems that people are fairly polarized in their opinions of this film. Like most pulp science fiction, it takes a different sort of suspension of belief from that which makes usual films work. However, the action makes it a fair bit easier, and I found it a lot more engrossing and convincing than any of the five (ridiculous but entertaining) Star Wars films, the uniformly unwatchable Star Trek stuff, or, for that matter, most blockbusting light entertainments. But that is just me. If you hate Dune, exaggerated action scenes, or (minor) plot inconsistencies, then you probably won't like this film. Otherwise, chances are good that you will.
A warning!
luismanuelbatista8 September 2010
When I saw this movie I wasn't expecting a thing. Which was a good thing because it turned to be a great film.
I read some opinions here at IMDb and I find out some people didn't like it because there should be something, a film, a book, a cartoon, something as an argument between Pitch Black and Chronicles.
Actually there's a cartoon called "Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury" between those two movies and it explains all the lines in this movie.
For those who never heard of it check it out, maybe you'll change your mind, because it's rare these days a very consistent story has this chronicles.
I read some opinions here at IMDb and I find out some people didn't like it because there should be something, a film, a book, a cartoon, something as an argument between Pitch Black and Chronicles.
Actually there's a cartoon called "Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury" between those two movies and it explains all the lines in this movie.
For those who never heard of it check it out, maybe you'll change your mind, because it's rare these days a very consistent story has this chronicles.
Great Science Fiction!
bozo110 December 2004
It was very refreshing to watch a science fiction movie with a great story and fantastic acting. I enjoyed Vin Diesel's performance as Riddick. He made the movie with his one-liners. Casting was very good. Special effects were incredible. I would give it 9 out of 10 stars. I hope there is a sequel to follow this movie. There appeared to be a time span between Pitch Black and Chronicles of Riddick but they bridged the gap quite well. A prequel to Pitch Black would help to establish who Riddick is and where he came from. This movie definitely took me to a place few science fiction movies do now days. I predict that Riddick will be entertaining us with more movies in the future.
Great fun, but probably always destined to fail
bowmanblue25 February 2015
The Chronicles of Riddick was probably always going to be a hard sell. It's a sequel that was spawned off the back of a blatant B-movie which - somehow - exceeded all expectations and became a sleeper classic, ie. Pitch Black.
Chronicles of Riddick is set five years after space convict Riddick escaped the last prison transport (and a planet full of monsters) and has now found himself not only hunted by mercenaries but also charged with the task of bringing down an empire of intergalactic nasties.
Personally, I quite enjoyed it. It has great action, some witty dialogue from Riddick himself and decent (if a little too CGI) special effects.
However, it's worth noting that it didn't perform as well as it was predicted at the Box Office. I'm guessing that was because it doesn't really seem to know what sort of film it wants to be. Its predecessor, Pitch Black, was an out and our sci-fi horror. Chronicles waters down the fear factor in exchange for a lower rating (in order to draw more younger viewers in) which annoyed its core fanbase. Plus there's only ever really Riddick to root for. He works alone and this is proved by the fact that he barely ever meets up with 'a gang' so to speak of. He just goes from planet to planet, briefly interacting with one set of locals after another. Then you have the baddies. Yes, the costumes and sets are great, but they're pretty clichéd and one dimensional. Ooh, a Bristish bad guy - there's a shock.
All in all, Riddick is fun, but the bottom line is that it's little more than a remake of the eighties (so-bad-it's-good) classic Flash Gordon, only with better special effects.
Chronicles of Riddick is set five years after space convict Riddick escaped the last prison transport (and a planet full of monsters) and has now found himself not only hunted by mercenaries but also charged with the task of bringing down an empire of intergalactic nasties.
Personally, I quite enjoyed it. It has great action, some witty dialogue from Riddick himself and decent (if a little too CGI) special effects.
However, it's worth noting that it didn't perform as well as it was predicted at the Box Office. I'm guessing that was because it doesn't really seem to know what sort of film it wants to be. Its predecessor, Pitch Black, was an out and our sci-fi horror. Chronicles waters down the fear factor in exchange for a lower rating (in order to draw more younger viewers in) which annoyed its core fanbase. Plus there's only ever really Riddick to root for. He works alone and this is proved by the fact that he barely ever meets up with 'a gang' so to speak of. He just goes from planet to planet, briefly interacting with one set of locals after another. Then you have the baddies. Yes, the costumes and sets are great, but they're pretty clichéd and one dimensional. Ooh, a Bristish bad guy - there's a shock.
All in all, Riddick is fun, but the bottom line is that it's little more than a remake of the eighties (so-bad-it's-good) classic Flash Gordon, only with better special effects.
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