Ahoy, squirts! Quint here with a very positive look at the PITCH BLACK universe themed CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK. I honestly stopped reading this review when it got into spoiler territory as I'm told there are huge, huge suprises to be found in the film, especially in the finale. I, for one, can not wait! Here's Tron with the skinny... but beware spoilers!
Hey Harry, Tron here! I was able to escape the circuits of ENCOM tonight and enter the real world of the Users.
Just arrived back from seeing The Chronicles of Riddick, does this movie rock! Now I wasn't the biggest fan of Pitch Black, but it was a well done horror/sci fi/action flick. I bet this film might just be one of the top films of the summer. I will try to be spoiler free as possible.
In the very opening of the film we are introduced to the setting of the world of Helion and it's invaders, the Necromongers. At first I thought I was looking at a rip-off of the art style and narrative opening of Dune. In fact the opening scenes gave me the feel of what Dune might have looked like if it was made in the early 80's with the art direction of H. G. Geiger. The narrative is well needed because you are about to be thrown into many planets and several races or groups of people of these worlds. Some of the action and different planets that you are thrown into might seem confusing at first but with the story line most of your questions will be answered.
These invaders, conquerors of many planets are about to set out to invade Helion. Their purpose is conquering every civilization so they can and make as many humans one of them. I you refuse…you are destroyed. Of course one might think that this seems a little like the BORG is out to get you. It is a slight ripoff but it seems this "BORG" is not a bunch of robots but a race of supernatural humans that posses powers which seem unstoppable.
We find out that Riddick has been a wanted man for at least the past five years hiding out on Planet UV 6, a bright and icy wasteland. I assume UV stands for "Ultra Violet"? I will avoid spoiling any of the opening moments of Vin Diesels appearence but he does make it off the planet and journeys to Helion. Keith David reprises his role as Abu 'Imam' al-Walid, one of the survivors from Pitch Black. This time around Abu is responsible for spilling the beans of Riddicks whereabouts in order to get Riddick out of hiding in order to save the universe. Will Riddick take upon the task to ward off the threat of this unstoppable force? Or will he just disappear into the darkness?
There are other good plotlines, especially giving us more info on where Riddick comes from and his destiny with the Necromongers. Of course I could slam this movie with having slight elemental ripoffs from other films but this movie is pure summer fun. This movie throws you into other worlds that are believable. I think there was only a couple of brief panoramic scenes that I might have felt it was actors against a blue or green screen.
The special effects are dynamite!!!! In fact the invasion force scenes of the Necromongers Would have been a better, darker style for Episodes I and II dogfights. Take note Mr. Lucas wherever you are.
Of course this movie is titled "The Chronicles of Riddick" giving the impression that there is room for more sequels. The movie itself can stand alone without the need of a sequel. I just hope that any sequel in the future will not be rushed to the screens as how some other movie franchises went downhill.
The Good
Character development
Great Sci Fi universe
Great non stop action
Great special effects
Good one liners
The Mercs
The Bad
Few over the top, unbelievable scenes, especially surviving an extremely molten hot planet surface.
Dame Vaako, the "woman of evil of the Necromongers" ,strutting runway walk while Riddick is kicking butt and creating chaos on the Necromongers spaceship. Its laughable.
Couple of scenes with characters saying "Christ!" , Are these humans descendants of earth? At least they could have made up something as "Nerfherder!".
Damn projector seemed to be slightly out of focus!!!!!!!
The Ugly
The Necromongers, heat vision mutants.
I do recommend this film and I can't wait to see an expanded DVD release. I hope an extended version will enhance the story line. If Aliens vs Predator turns out to be as good as this film there, might be some salvation to the Alien franchise.
If you have a couple of hours to spare and ten bucks, it's worth your time. See it on the big screen especially if you are into cinematography, big sound system and just the feel of being with a crowd having a good time. If not, check it out when it arrives on home video.
This is TRON going back to the cold circuits of ENCOM
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