Chronicles Of Riddick - Page 2
© James C. Hess
"Chronicles Of Riddick" is an action flick, featuring an action hero of sort. It is a sci-fi movie, as well. But at the same time it is much more: It is a message film (the intent of which I will leave you to discern.). It is Shakespeare and Chaucer, German opera and Italian melodrama, set not to traditional music but a cacophony of effects all but overwhelming. It is a showcasing of anti-hero in the tradition of Mad Max but, yet, it is, well something else: Clever. Intelligent. Smart. Sophisticated.
All centered on one man, a man with named Riddick. Richard B. Riddick. He is one of a few remaining (dare I say 'surviving', given the environments he exists in?) Furions: Fierce warriors whose numbers are constantly diminished because they have been captured and confined under the auspices of the Necromongers.
The Necromongers have one goal: They want to make everyone a Necromonger. Of course, Riddick has other ideas and opinions on the matter, and wastes no time pursuing them: He defeats a Necromonger fighter ship, killing all aboard.
In case you wonder, because you did not know, yes: Riddick is a known character: He first made an appearance in the film "Pitch Black", which was also directed by David Twohy. But don't take that to mean this movie is a sequel. It really isn't. What it is, well: The fast and easy explanation: "Chronicles Of Riddick" is what "Pitch Black" should have been, could have been, but failed to be.
But I digress: The Necromongers side with the Lord Marshal (Colm Feore), who has visited the Underverse, from which he has returned, acccording to the aforementioned Aereon: Half alive and half. . . something else.
Something else. One of those things best left for your discovery, for attempts on my part to explain would only serve to frustrate and irritate.
But getting back to Aereon: She is a very informed but not very intelligent sort, who, of course, needs Riddick to some extent, as does a little girl named Ziza (Alexis Llewellyn), who keeps asking of if he intends to slay the monsters.
Does he? The answer to this question is for you to find out.
I admit there isn't much in the way of character development in "Chronicles Of Riddick". I admit the effects tend to overwhelm and subvert the acting and the plot. But keep in mind what was already noted: This movie is not what it seems. Nor is Vin Diesel.
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