Open Letters Monthly: Riddick

I always like a well-examined science fiction tale. Take the story of Richard B. Riddick, for example. He (played by actor Vin Diesel) was the star of the unexpected hit Pitch Black over a dozen years ago, gathering quite the cult following. Four years later he got a big budget sequel - The Chronicles of Riddick - that sadly wasn't as good or as popular as it could have been. Almost ten years later, and the popular anti-hero is back to small-scale productions with Riddick, a return to the formula that made Pitch Black so beloved.

Betrayed by his army and left for dead on a dangerous planet, Riddick has no choice but to rediscover his animal instinct. After doing so, there's just the matter of getting off that rock and getting home. But two groups of bounty hunters, seeking him for two separate reasons, stand between him and freedom. As the three groups begin fighting one another, it's quickly determined that the former convict and murderer is not the most dangerous thing they have to fear, and all parties must work together if they are to have any chance to survive.

Riddick is directed by David Twohy and stars Vin Diesel, Jordi Molla, Matt Nable, Katee Sackhoff, Dave Bautista, Bokeem Woodbine, and Karl Urban.

Click here for the full review at Open Letters Monthly.