The Chronicles of Riddick

Three stars out of four. I've never seen "Pitch Black" though. Regardless, it's not really necessary in viewing this movie. Vin Diesel's definitely the new Arnold. Aside from the technology exhibited in this movie, it's not really a science-fiction movie. The technology is more of a setting than a plot. The same story could be set in Europe, WWII era, and not change much. This is definitely hardcore action. I have seen both the theatrical version and the "director's cut" version. The theatrical version is superior, as is the norm. While the director's cut does explain a couple of things that would have been nice to know, other scenes tend to weaken the integrity of the plot by causing the viewer to wonder about a few details....it's really only one loose end, in my mind. Two scenes about that female mercenary that make me want to know a bit more. One, is she infatuated with Riddick? What exactly was she trying to do when they were transporting him to Crematoria? And Riddick intentionally left her alive during his escape....and she was the only one left alive. So what happened to her? It is definitely understandable why they would cut out these scenes. So watch the theatrical version. It's awesome....and the ending leaves me expecting a third movie...

The Chronicles of Riddick