The Chronicles Of Riddick

Release Date: June 11, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violent action and some language
Written and Directed by: David Twohy
Starring: Vin Diesel, Thandie Newton, Karl Urban, Colm Feore, Linus Roache, Keith David, Yorick van Wageningen, Alexa Davalos, Judi Dench

Plot:
The further adventures of Riddick (Vin Diesel) continue five years later, as the escaped convict with the ability to see in the dark finds himself caught in the middle of a galactic war between two opposing forces, with the key figure being the Lord Marshal (Colm Feore), the leader of a sect called the Necromongers waging the "10th Crusade" in the 26th century. Helping Riddick is Aereon (Judi Dench), the Ambassador of the "Elemental" race, who helps Riddick unearth the secrets of his origin and Kyra (Alexa Davalos), who has grown up since Riddick knew her as a preteen girl in the first movie. Attempting to free himself and Kyra from a subterranean prison, Riddick ends up on board the Necromonger flagship, where he gets his chance to face off against the Lord Marshal in a battle over the future of all beings in the galaxy, both living... and dead.

Review:
Chronicles Of Riddick takes place in fictional planets with different types of the human race and ruthless animals. When a science fiction film is to be made, the main process for it to become believable is the visuals. Chronicles Of Riddick doesn't fail in that portion and actually has interesting sets and a nice futuristic view. However, the many flaws it does have makes this effortless storytelling.

Its effortless in creating a new adventure and a story to keep us in awe. Instead it wants to grab our attention by having Vin Diesel in the lead role and for the film's thrill for killing. I think Vin Diesel says it best in the film when Kyra asks him "How do I get eyes like that" and Vin Diesel replied "You have to kill a few people". Killing is not a substitute for a poor story.

Vin Diesel's monotoned acting also does not bring justice to this film. In a role where he can prove himself to the audience, its embarrassing to see him act as such. However, the entire cast is limited in their acting which is a direction that was poorly taken. Even Thandie Newton who plays Dame Vaako is not top notch here and lacks soul in her character.

Director David Twohy has a smart direction for the genre of Science Fiction, but his mistakes are clear on the screen and should be omitted in order to succeed in the genre. The visuals are more of an impressive sight than a stunning one. Take the time to include the computer generations, but teach Diesel that his looks won't make him famous enough.

It was a big disappointment to see the character Aereon which is played by Dame Judi Dench underused. She only made a few appearances that really had no matter in advancing the story. This is a case of hardly any character development. We understand Riddick, but with new characters there should be new introductions and all Twohy gives us is a simply voice over which isn't good enough.

This film is not a complete waste and might do justice to action and science fiction lovers. It simply is not good enough to be worth a theatrical viewing and is better for home viewing. If Chronicles Of Riddick would explain more on how these beings live and survive than just action, it might have worked, but it is too overconfident.

There is some good editing in Chronicles Of Riddick that keeps the film somewhat interesting, but the reason still stays the same that it is a picture that really doesn't no where to go. Instead, the film takes routes left and right and the public is suppose to follow even if it hardly makes any sense. The ending falls into a landmark of questions which is a bad long lasting feeling.

Chronicles Of Riddick just doesn't have anything exciting to offer. It has action and nice visuals, but the entire film plays out like a spoof because of the actors reactions. It has its moments when it actually challenges the audience, but overall it falls into a pit of mediocrity. This film is too interested in what Hollywood wants that it simply cannot be recommended.