riddickSomewhere There Is A Script
 
Riddick
Stars: Vin Diesel, Matt Nable, Jordi Molia, Katee Sackhoff, Dave Bautista, Bokeem Woodbine, Nolan Gerard Funk, Karl Urban and Andreas Apergis
Director/Co-Scriptwriter: David Twohy
Composer: Graham Revell
Universal
Rating: R
 
Director/writer David Twohy created the character of Riddick in the science fiction movie “Pitch Black,” which is a better-than-average film of escaping a dangerous planet. Riddick, as acted by Vin Diesel---strong, silent, honorable in his own way and gentle with pets and women---became so popular, he had his own film, “The Chronicles of Riddick,” that furthered his adventures but lost the audience in mythology and violence. Not to let a good character stay down, especially with Diesel’s popularity with fans in the “Fast and Furious” film series, we have a third Riddick movie, also about escaping a dangerous planet. At this rate, “Riddick” will continue for a thousand years or so, until earthlings can join him in person.
 
In this film, Riddick’s story is told at the beginning in a flashback, as he wants to go to his own planet of Furya and is allowed by the Leader (Karl Urban) to travel there. However, there is a double-cross with Krone (Andreas Apergis) a sub-leader, and Riddick ends up on a desolate planet populated by giant scorpion-like creatures who live near water, and wild hyena-dogs with tiger stripes. Survival is minimal. Riddick devises ways and soon has a “dog” as a pet and is immune to the “scorpion” venom. About this time, he discovers an abandoned way-station and summons help. Who responses but two bounty hunter groups, led by Johns (Matt Nable) and the unstable Santana (Jordi Molia), each wanting the money for Riddick, dead or alive. Johns’ crew has Dahl (Katee Sackhoff) who is tougher than three guys combined, while Santana has Diaz (wrestler Dave Bautista) who is larger than three guys combined. It’s about this time, the script vanishes for an occasional “Where is he?” or “What was that?” or “His head goes into a box.” There are narrow escapes, death by any means possible, wild creatures everywhere and riding hover-motorcycles, all the while Riddick being one jump ahead of everyone. What else is new? Time to leave this planet? Anytime, and methinks Riddick has more adventures in him.
 
Color is basically a reddish hue to symbolize an arid planet, some color while inside the way-station and since Riddick sees in the dark, there is an occasional glimmer of light through his vision, too. Special effects are good and this planet looks downright spooky as did the one in “Pitch Black.” This is quite a solar system. There are moments that are plausible and moments that are downright ridiculous and straight out of comic book land. Mucho violence and profanity in the storyline, also.
 
Acting is minimal and actually not required. Riddick doesn't show emotion and speaks in a soft monotone, Santana is off the edge most of the time and clashes with Dahl, while Johns spouts rhetoric about a lost son and Diaz just looks big, though to his credit, Dave Bautista is a fair enough actor here. The film runs too long and characters are allowed to strike a pose and say a few lines before another person takes over. The one who steals the scenes is the hyena/dog who certainly caught the attention in the matinee I attended. No one tries to tame a scorpion, though.
 
Running Length: 118 Minutes
 
 
Copyright 2013 Marie Asner
 
For another Vin Diesel film review see the following:
 

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