He’s back! Vin Diesel returns as “Riddick” and this time he’s surrounded by bounty hunters wanting his head. A review by J.P.
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures. Copyright: © 2013 Universal Studios.
RIDDICK
Universal Pictures
MPAA Rating: R
Executive Producers: Samantha Vincent, Mike Drake, George Zakk
Produced by Vin Diesel, Ted Field, Samantha Vincent
Written by David Twohy, Oliver Butcher, Stephen Cornwell
Cast: Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Jodi Molla, Matt Nable, Katee Sackhoff, Dave Bautista, Bokeem Woodbine, Raoul Trujillo, Nolan Gerard Funk
Directed by: David Twohy
Studio Synopsis:
Riddick, the latest chapter of the groundbreaking saga that began with 2000’s hit sci-fi film Pitch Black and 2004’s The Chronicles of Riddick reunites writer/director David Twohy (A Perfect Getaway, The Fugitive) and star Vin Diesel (the Fast and Furious franchise, xXx). Diesel reprises his role as the antihero Riddick, a dangerous, escaped convict wanted by every bounty hunter in the known galaxy.
J.P.’s Take:
To many fans, Vin Diesel is the malevolent outlaw known as “Riddick,” and in this fourth sequel of the same name he is thrusted into legendary status.
First envisioned by writers Jim and Ken Wheat, it is writer/director David Twohy (“A Perfect Getaway,” “The Arrival”) who brought the character to the forefront in both “Pitch Black” and “The Chronicles of Riddick.” An animated, third installment entitled “The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury” bridges the gap between 1 & 2. Written by Twohy, Oliver Butcher and Stephen Cornwall, the threesome turn the latest chapter into a visceral playground for Diesel to unleash Riddick’s full potential in a scaled down intimate affair.
For those of you not familiar with the two legged predator, allow me to explain – if you drop him on any planet – in any adverse situation – against any foe, the chances of escaping his vengeance are zero. Riddick has the ability to exploit the minutest weakness of his prey to over take them. This makes him a highly adaptable and very deadly killer. If this peaks your curiosity, then I invite you to visit the two prequels I’ve mentioned above to learn of his full history. After watching this follow up, however, I’ve found that the Richard B. Riddick I once knew is the former shadow of himself.
Twohy and the gang leveled up this time around almost revamping the character as a whole. If this version had have been released after “Pitch Black” it would practically obliterate “Chronicles” altogether. It’s a brawnier testosterone driven man hunt movie as Riddick is confronted by two teams of bounty hunters. One team led by the ruthless cold hearted rapist Santana (Jordi Molla), whom wants his head in a box. This action doubles their reward if they can make it happen. Another team of mercenaries led by a familiar name wants him alive. Riddick learns that the mercs are led by none other than Boss Johns (Matt Nable), father of William J. Johns, the previous bounty hunter in “Pitch Black.” This is where the real fun begins as neither side realizes what they’re up against. Each team devises their individual plan for capturing the supernatural hunter, where they and he engage in a bone chilling suspenseful game of cat and mouse.
There are points in four that feels like it has reverted backward to its predecessor “Pitch Black,” boasting the alien vs. stranded crew vs. Riddick theme. Yet, Twohy styles this sequel as a spaghetti sci-fi western to the extent that it spoofs itself, while reveling in edgy pulp fiction ques apropos of the main baddy’s attributes. I enjoyed “Riddick” for those reasons; producing a grittier experience than before. Although to its disadvantage, there is so much more back story that it could have drawn on for a fuller experience.
I will be adding this one to my collection, which is already in place and if they decide to pop out a fifth I’m willing to follow along. All in all, this is the real Riddick showcase I believe fans have been waiting for.