The Chronicles of Riddick (2004) Review:

Before Vin Diesel came on the scene with his cult franchise The Fast and the Furious (2001), he was also known as Richard B. Riddick. While the character itself doesn't have as many films as Diesel's other tent pole franchise, Pitch Black (2000) was quite the unique film. Not only did it have a sense of mystery surrounding its main cast, but also pit them against a very hard deadline of escaping a dangerous planet. Following up to that initial success is this sequel, which almost turns in a full 180. Unfortunately, the showing here is less than stellar for how the story was executed this time. That's sad since some people were also from the original film.

"Guys,....I could really use Paul Walker right now..."

Solely writing and directing this feature was David Twohy, the same director of Pitch Black (2000). Knowing this, it seems additional writers Ken and Jim Wheat were needed again as they helped co-write Pitch Black (2000). The title itself doesn't really make sense either. The "chronicles"? What chronicles? This film is just one long overly drawn out story, with little to no record of what Riddick has been up to. Taking place five years after Pitch Black (2000), Riddick finds himself reuniting with Imam (Keith David) to find his home planet being invaded by a race known as the Necromongers. Simultaneously, he learns that Jack now called Kyra (Alexa Davalos), who he saved with Imam in Pitch Black (2000), is being held in a prison on another planet.

If viewers thought the convenience of landing on planet exactly when it was going to eclipse in Pitch Black (2000) was too contrived, then this will be far worse. It just so happens the subplot related to Kyra crosses paths with the Necromonger plot thread. What are the odds? On top of that, there's even more subplots going on about Riddick being the so-called “chosen one” who will overthrow the Necromongers told by an elemental played by Judi Dench. There's also two characters among the Necromongers, Vaako (Karl Urban) and Dame Vaako (Thandie Newton) who plan to commit treason on their leader Lord Marshal (Colm Feore). Why all the different storylines? Was it truly needed for this?

What made Pitch Black (2000) so entertaining was its single story line. Nothing involving "the chosen one" tropes or political treason among ranks. If there's one thing Twohy did get right, it was keeping the continuity to the first film. That was done well. Seeing Keith David return and on his home planet was cool. There was even an explanation as to why Jack had a name change. That's all good! It just all the added plot threads that weigh down the pacing and entertainment value to the main story of focus. It's fine if the idea was to expand Riddick's universe and lore, but it's too much too soon. That doesn't mean the actors aren't credible though. Even Nick Chinlund has an appearance as a snarky mercenary.

Thandie Newton & Karl Urban

From a visual standpoint, it's half and half. The action sequences are fun to watch. Vin Diesel has proven himself to be an action star as well as Alexa Davalos, Karl Urban and Colm Feore. Sadly, it's the camerawork handled by Hugh Johnson that doesn't come off very appealing. Much of the time, Johnson relies on a lot of Dutch angles and shaky cam, which gets very annoying when trying to watch. Music again, is also another component that could have been better. With composer Graeme Revell returning for round two, one would think he'd make up for his rather dull score from the last film. No luck, Revell continues to make his music as bland and anonymous as possible. A real let down.

Sequels tend to not perform as well as their predecessor, but they don't tend to fall too hard. This one did just that though. While the action, acting and continuity is kept in-tact, which is shocking compared to most sequels. The plot is overly complicated with poor cinematography and uninspired music.

Points Earned --> 5:10