THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK
Directed by David Twohy
In theatres
(***)
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Written By: John H. Foote
With the enormous success of the low budget science fiction thriller Pitch Black (2000), a smart and stylishly directed picture, some sort of sequel seemed obvious to the makers of the film. Actor Vin Diesel became a major star with that film as Riddick, a convict fighting off nasty nocturnal creatures that come seeking flesh. That film launched Diesel onto the path he is currently on, that is as a star of action thrillers. In terms of actual acting talent, I think there are serious limitations there, however, in the right role, with the right director; he carries the same sort of presence as Sylvester Stallone in his best films.

Once again on the run from the law, and those on the other side of it, Riddick is being pursued by mercenaries who hope to nail the career criminal. The chase is ruined when an army of Necromongers move into action, stealing the souls of everyone they encounter, and for those who do not convert, they meet their doom. Riddick is once again approached to fight evil, this time by a lonely minister, Imam (David Keith) one of the very few survivors of the last film. Like all great heroes, Riddick just wants to be left alone.

And again like all great heroes, he finds he cannot stay out of the war and becomes an unwitting catalyst to the action. He will indeed fight on the side of good in his own manner, and those who think to question what he is doing, best re-think that process.

As Riddick, Diesel once again delivers a solid performance, never exploring the depths of character, but instead, providing audiences with a hero to root for. Like the great actors before him, John Wayne, Sylvester Stallone and even Governor Arnold, Diesel seems to know that he is the focus of a scene the moment he walks into it because of his sheer size. The man is a mountain, and that bulk is put to great use in this exciting film. His character, a convict in the first film, becomes essentially a super hero over the course of the second.

Canadian actor Colm Feore, brilliant in everything he does, is astounding here as Lord Marshall, the leader of the Necromongers. Dripping evil and menace in his voice and the manner in which he carries himself throughout the film, Feore steals every single scene he is in. This is a villain who thrives on being such because he does not think what he is doing is wrong, it simply is what he believes, which is what makes him truly frightening. Long a Canadian institution, Feore has often been seen in major American films, but never had a role as substantial as this. He elevates the material and film to another level, finding in his character everything that is treacherous and cruel, and genuinely terrifying the audience. This is a marvelous performance that just might be remembered come Oscar time.

In supporting roles are Judi Dench and Thandie Newton, though make no mistake, this is not a film for women. Director Twohy put the budget money to great use in finding the look for his film. The massive sets are beautifully shot, giving the film an epic quality unmatched by anything on screen this year. The visual effects and sound editing within the film is flawless, plunging the audience into another world.

The mark of a great science fiction is the ability of the filmmakers to transport the audience to another place and time, without ever having a question raised about the logistics. Though The Chronicles of Riddick is certainly not on par with the great science fictions such as 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) or Blade Runner (1982), it still is an excellent addition to the genre. A solid entertainment for the summer months; this seems to be a new franchise for Universal.












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