Bad Boy Vin Diesel reprises his role as Riddick, in the sequel to 'Pitch Black'. It is clear, though, that this isn't a cliche'd sequel playing off the success (or lack there) of the prequel. In that respect it is clear that it's not an attempt to cash in because it's a whole new story altogether, probably originating in a book or comic. Despite re-introducing characters from Pitch Black, it doesn't rely upon your having seen it at all. In fact before having seen the film I wasn't even aware that it was a sequel.

Riddick is being chased by many people whom have a hefty price on is head. However he is surprised when the very man he had saved in 'Pitch Black' has joined this bidding war. He goes to take out the traitor only to realise why he had to do that. The invasion by a highly organised and religious race of aliens (rather reminiscent of the Crusades etc...) seeks to convert or kill the planet. Led by a half dead leader who is able to steal the souls of those who don't abide, the planet is conquered in a single night. Only the presence of Riddick worries them and quite rightly so.

The film is packed with what we would now expect from Hollywood, high levels of computer generated effects which bend the acceptable boundaries of science to breaking point. The race against the sunrise is a strange sequence. In the daylight, the temperature sky rockets and all caught in it don't stand a chance, all except Riddick of course who obviously wears Factor 60,000 sun block. The plot was quite well designed and wasn't as straight forward as the trailers made out which was a relief to be honest.

Though I would not be ready to sing the praises of this film, I am also unable to slate it because it is in fact quite intreaging. However, I think one viewing will suffice and i'd wait for it's video release unless you are a Sci-Fi fanatic.

see also:
District 9, Battle Los Angeles, Cloverfield, Sunshine

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