The Chronicles of Riddick

The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)

Directed and Written by David Twohy. Produced by Camille Brown, Vin Diesel & Scott Kroopf. Starring Vin Diesel, Colm Feore, Dame Judi Dench, Karl Urban, Alexa Davalos, Linus Roache & Nick Chinlund.

     Summary: Sequel to "Pitchblack" - Riddick finds himself standing between mankind and its destruction at the hands of the all-conquering Necromongers. For more go to www.imdb.com

Impressions of the Movie

     Wow! This is my impression. Mind you, this movie has to grow on you a bit. If you don't like Vin Diesel you may still enjoy this. I am not big fan. However, as far as I can see, despite the appalling rubbish of "The Fast and the Furious" and "XXX", the role of Riddick was just made for Vin. It is him and he is it. If he only plays this role for the rest of his career I will be happy. It is him. He is Riddick.

     This is a very different movie from 'Pitchblack'. It was intended that there would be a follow up as a vehicle for Vin and the Riddick character. It took a long time to make because the Director's ideas were, at first, too expensive and lavish. The idea got shelved for a few years before resurrection. Unlike its contemporaries (ie, the latter Star Wars saga) the use of CGI is minimised down to a few planets, spaceships and 'hell-hounds'. Everything else is a set. They had to build the sets in some of the World's largest sound stages in Canada. This quality and attention to detail really sets this movie apart.

     Then there is Dame Judi Dench. Apparently Vin Diesel picked her for the role of Aereon and then wooed her with flowers to entice her into the role. By all accounts she loved it.

     David Twohy's original writing (sharing credits with Jim & Ken Wheat) has created an instant saga of epic proportions. This is the movie "Dune" should have been. In what twisted nightmare did David dream up the concept of the Necromongers? All this JUST as a vehicle for Riddick to flex his muscles? Genius. If this was a novel it would be a sci-fi classic overnight.

     The story follows a few years after the end of 'Pitchblack'. Riddick is tracked down by bounty hunters paid by Aereon (Judi Dench). She is an 'Elemental' who believes that the Necromongers are upsetting the balance of the Universe by destroying mankind. The Necromongers believe that life in this universe is an aberration and the 'real' universe is a paradise known as 'underverse'. To get to this Paradise all you have to do is die when your time is right after conversion to the Necromonger faith. The Elementals believe the Riddick is the last representative of a race of 'Furyions' wiped out by the Necromongers. Only Furyions have the power to defeat the Necromongers.

     As the plot progresses Riddick gets himself incarcerated in a prison where he meets Kyra (Jack from 'Pitchblack'). She blames him for abandoning her and his feelings of guilt are obvious. The story concludes with Riddick confronting the Lord Marshal of the Necromongers in a final showdown.

    In all of this Riddick is always the anti-hero. A very reluctant hero. He wants nothing to do with humans, Elementals or Necromongers. He just wants to be left alone. However, despite his best efforts he finds himself drawn in. He has genuine feelings for those he has developed respect for. He respects those who are survivors - those who won't slow him down. His character is more complex than face-value would lead you to believe. It makes him angry when he is rescued by another. Just watch 'Pitchblack' through a few times and concentrate on what happens right at the end. This will set you up well for this movie.