Vin Diesel's anti-hero Riddick fights in the Pitch Black (Pitch Black (DVD))

Member Name: pmcds

Product:	Pitch Black (DVD)
Date:	17/03/08 (34 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Believable, good acting and direction

Disadvantages: Limited due to simple plot

One of the marvels of a sci-fi film is how believable it is. Successful sci-fi films tend to be the ones where the characters and events are believable, and the fear and helplessness of the unknown comes across to the viewer. The 2000 film Pitch Black is one such film. The fear of darkness and of creatures unseen combines brilliantly with the fear that the only guy capable of helping you is also the one most likely to kill you. Read on.....

The Plot

The plotline of a spaceship crash landing on another planet is a much followed one. It is prevalent in many films. This comes with a twist, as it has a passenger who is the most dangerous criminal known, being transported to a secure holding prison in space. With the plane crash landing, the survivors form a motley crew of families, the criminal: serial killer Riddick, and the man who's been chasing him, Johns.

The planet is seemingly sun drenched, but when the sun goes down and the darkness comes, scary happenings start. Strange flying creatures start hunting the survivors, and they need to reach safety on the planet. Sightless due to the darkness, they need a miracle, and it just so happens that Riddick has had his eyes surgically shined, meaning that the most dangerous serial killer is the only one who can see in the dark.

The Cast and Performances

Vin Diesel scares as Riddick, but the emotions he evokes through the character are also very well performed. Cole Hauser stars as Johns, Riddick's nemesis, and does so with the right amount of cynicism and scepticism, not trusting the serial killer in the slightest. Supporting roles from Radha Mitchell and Keit David make this sci-fi film very believable. The acting is very subtle, as the focus is very much on the sci-fi aspect of the creatures and the danger the dark palces the survivors in.

My Opinion

This is a very well worked film, with a good but basic plot involving all characters in equal measure. The scenes are amazingly filmed, and the special effects guys have definitely done their job. Director David Twohy has done his job perfectly here, providing the right atmosphere all the way through. The tagline 'Fight evil with evil' fits the bill.

Conclusion

A very good film, with a convincing anti-hero in the form of Riddick.

The DVD is available from amazon.co.uk for £4.98 new, £0.90 used.

This review may also be posted on ciao.co.uk

Thanks for reading.

Summary: Pitch Black (2000) - good, convincing sci-fi