The Chronicles of Riddick: Pitch Black.

Ah, the golden age of Sci-fi films.

Do you remember the good old days when movies had plots and good graphics?

It is surprising considering the time frame that this movie was made, but the graphics are spot-on for this film. The plot is enjoyable; maybe, not necessarily, epic by any means, but honestly better than most films these days.

The film is set in some future sci-fi setting when a space ship is travelling and ends up having to crash land on an unknown planet. The few survivors think that their one problem, besides getting off the planet, is going to be the fugitive, Riddick, who crashed with them. But it soon becomes clear that they have bigger problems: a volatile native species that thrives in darkness and an eclipse is coming.

Vin Deisel is the main character in this film. Yes, the Fast and Furious guy, but, for me, at least, before he was all “family” and fast cars, he was the mysterious fugitive in this film. Rewatching it now, not that scary. When I was younger though, this film was absolutely terrifying and Riddick was the main reason. He really sells himself in Pitch Black as a menace to society and does an exceptional job as an anti-hero. He’s sort of like Punisher, but with a sense of humor.

I believe this is a comic series, but how true it is to the original work, I’m not sure. I do know that its sequel is one of those jumps where it is so wholly different from the first film it doesn’t feel canon. Granted, like I said, this is more than likely going in line with the OG story and I think it is a good film, just different.

What I like about Pitch Black is its character development and the dialogue is so snappy. Like the character’s really speak in a way that feels like real life. I will say, there is a lot of cursing, but it is in tune with what is going on in the film and not just said to say it. The characters are diverse, enjoyable and jump off the screen as good creations.