The Chronicles of Riddick
Originally written for The Milpitas Post
Directed and written by: David Twohy
Starring: Vin Diesel, Colm Feore, Thandie Newton, Judi Dench, Karl Urban, Alexa Davalos, Linus Roache
Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of violent action and some language.
Parental Notes: Although some sequences, such as a man burning to death in superheated air, will definitely be too intense for youngsters, mature preteens and teens should be fine. The violence is fairly bloodless and without gruesome sound effects and there’s virtually no sensuality.
“The Chronicles of Riddick” is the kind of movie that’s 99.9% recycled plot elements but a heck of a lot of fun anyway. Does the fact that you can see the curves coming on a big outdoor roller coaster make it a less exciting ride? No way! “The Chronicles of Riddick” may be predictable, but it’s nothing if not an exciting ride.
Fans of “Pitch Black” remember that it ended with a trio of survivors fleeing a planet of terror filled with unspeakable monsters. One of those survivors was Riddick (Vin Diesel), a serial killer with eyes that can see in the dark and an animal’s ability to kill without thinking. Now it’s five years later, and another of those survivors, Imam (Keith David), sends for him. A race of powerful and evil warriors is working its way across the universe killing all life, and there’s a prophecy which suggests Riddick might be the only one who can stop them.
There’s also a subplot involving the third survivor of the first film, a girl who went by the name Jack. Now she’s going by Kyra (Alexa Davalos), and she’s become a killer who can give Riddick a run for his money. Unfortunately, Kyra isn’t nearly as interesting a character as Jack was, and it’s a shame that writer/director David Twohy couldn’t come up with a better use for her.
Vin Diesel is definitely the star of the movie, for all the scenery chewing done by the secondary characters. He moves with a predatory grace that is as beautiful as it is unnerving. Diesel’s intense, focused performance was the crowning glory of “Pitch Black,” and he has the same effect on “The Chronicles of Riddick.” He is able to simply be on screen with such energy and presence that he steals every scene he’s in. He gives off the same vibe as a lion or a wolf — utterly feral and unblinkingly aware of his own ability.
Even with Diesel’s fantastic performance, “The Chronicles of Riddick” is hobbled by an overloaded plot. “Pitch Black” was as focused as its star: the plot drove straight through from beginning to end, without distracting side plots or secondary quests. “Chronicles,” though, is a touch bloated and it loses the intensity the previous film had. There are too many secondary characters with their own subplots.
Fortunately, it is a visually stunning film. The special effects are impressive, and the air-warping engines of the antagonists’ spacecraft give the computer graphics crew a chance to shine. There are mind-blowing battle sequences, a sunrise that hits with the force of a tidal wave (those who’ve seen “Star Crash” may feel a bit of nostalgia hearing about a planet whose temperature rises hundreds of degrees during the day), and a ghostly character called an Elemental (Judi Dench). Add to that a crew of villains whose decor looks like H.R. Geiger going through a Romantic phase, and you’ve got a real treat.
Is “The Chronicles of Riddick” a great film? No. It’s not even quite as good as “Pitch Black.” But it’s a fun sci-fi action flick, vaguely reminiscent of the old Conan books, and Vin Diesel really makes it work. This is classic summer action movie fare, and it’s been edited down to a PG-13, so it’s safe for preteens and up. Good stuff.