THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK

Plot Outline: Five years after the end of Pitch Black, the wanted criminal Riddick is a hunted man. Riddick arrives in Helion Prime and finds himself against the invading Necromongers, an army that plans to convert or kill all humans.

Last night I went to see The Chronicles of Riddick starring Vin Diesel. Science Fiction fans may have seen a little film called Pitch Black a few years ago. I did not see Pitch Black so I entered this film with little knowledge of what to expect.

Chronicles is not a bad film, but it could have been so much more. Although the story had potential, something was missing. I can't quite put my finger on it, maybe it was that the story and various elements in it needed a little more explaining - like who the Elementals are, the origins of the Furion and Necromonger race, the nature of the Underverse, etc. I’d like to know more about Riddick, what was he like before he became a wanted criminal. Hopefully there will be a third installment, so I can find out.

Riddick, our anti-hero, captures our attention with his cool self-assured presence, always one step ahead, vulnerable to nothing (except maybe his interactions with his Pitch Black 'friends'). I felt that Vin Diesel did a decent job portraying Riddick. I have read criticisms of his acting ability, but the truth is, none of us really go to a Vin Diesel film for his classically trained acting ability or his elegant screen presence. You know what you're going to get from Vin Diesel, he can say one liners, doesn’t take himself too seriously, and can use his body, he is well suited for this roles.

No doubt Dame Judi Dench was cast to lend a certain "element" to the Elemental being she plays and she does that admirably. I read somewhere that Vin Diesel asked her to be in the movie himself.

What can I say about Karl Urban, of Lord of the Ring fame (he played Eomer). He has a great face, great voice and a great presence. His role as Vaako wasn’t very well developed, but he pulls it off nonetheless.

Thandie Newton was sublime as the villainous spouse to Karl Urban’s Vaako.

The greatest strength of this movie was in it's visual impact, both in set/costume design and cinematography. The pace was just right, not a lot of slow moments and the action sequences were fun to watch.

All I can say is see this movie and take it for what it is, a science fiction epic. Don't try to analyze the story, just let yourself be taken by the stunning visuals, landscapes, design, and ambiance. Even if you don't like it the first time, try it a second time. Once you see it as it is you'll have found a film to revisit from time to time.

Closing note: If you don’t wish to spend a small fortune seeing it in a theater than wait for the DVD to come out. It is definitely DVD worthy.