David Twohy directs Vin Diesel, Thandiwe Newton and Karl Urban in this sci-fi epic where Pitch Black’s anti hero takes on an intergalactic imperialist death cult.

I remembered feeling this was a disappointment after the lean and tight Pitch Black. Bookended by a sub Dune plot of regal squabbling and unconvincing CGI, Chronicles often reeks of vanity. Yet on a curious revisit the good stuff sang louder. The middle act on a sun scorched prison planet hits the high notes of the first film. Thandiwe Newton’s smokin’ hot Lady Macbeth clone is way better than some of the other thespians cashing in a paycheck. The ambition of the visuals is laudable even if the tech doesn’t quite meet the vision. There are good action beats and even a couple of creepy moments. The closing shot is cute beyond belief. I had a lark with lowered expectations.

6

Perfect Double Bill: Riddick (2013)