Pitch Black
2/4
Starring: Vin Diesel, Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser, Keith David, Rhiana Griffith
The version being reviewed is the unrated one. For the record, the theatrical cut is rated R for Sci-Fi Violence/Gore and Language
The problem with "Pitch Black" is that it takes itself far too seriously. Although the premise is sound, the execution is not. David Twohy's script is feeble and the film looks like one of those Z-grade movies that pop up in the darkest corners of Netflix. Still, it is watchable.
A spaceship crash lands on an uninhabited planet. Most of the passengers don't survive, but those who do are a rather uninteresting bunch. Carolyn Fry (Mitchell) is the pilot, William Johns (Hauser) is a cop, an imam (David) is also on board with three young Muslims on a pilgrimage to "New Mecca," and there's a kid (Griffith) on board too. There are others, but most of them don't last long. The most interesting person aboard is Richard B. Riddick (Diesel), a convicted murderer being transported to another prison. Riddick is a nasty piece of work: he cares about no one, he can dislocate his joints at will, and he can see in the dark. There's enough drama about finding a way off the planet to fill a whole movie, but the stakes here are higher. There are creatures on this planet who are bloodthirsty killers, and the only way to stay alive is to keep in the light. And that's a commodity that's quickly running out.
With the exception of Vin Diesel, no one really bears mentioning. Radha Mitchell has ability, but no presence. Cole Hauser is hot, but his dramatic range is limited. They're both character actors, and neither one of them is cut out for a lead role. Keith David is his usual reliable self, although there's almost nothing for him to do.
The one reason to see this film, which I don't recommend, is Vin Diesel. Although he's known for his appearance and gruff voice, it is interesting to know that Vin Diesel is not some meathead who got lucky. He's been acting all his life, and it shows, even in lame movies like "The Fast and the Furious." On paper, Riddick is only moderately interesting. But Diesel works to create a living, breathing person. Riddick is pretty creepy. He has a habit of turning up when no one expects it, manipulates people, and worse, is unpredictable. Even when we see his eyes, we never really know what he's thinking.
About all I can say about David Twohy's job as a director is that the aliens are creepy. They're like less slimy versions of the Xenomorph from the "Alien" franchise. But the editing is sloppy, the camerawork is bland, and the movie keeps spinning its wheels. About five minutes or so could have been shaved off without losing much (I know, I know, this is the unrated version).
This isn't a terrible movie, but there are other, far better, movies of this kind out there. Let's just hope that the sequels, including the newest one out Friday, are better.
Starring: Vin Diesel, Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser, Keith David, Rhiana Griffith
The version being reviewed is the unrated one. For the record, the theatrical cut is rated R for Sci-Fi Violence/Gore and Language
The problem with "Pitch Black" is that it takes itself far too seriously. Although the premise is sound, the execution is not. David Twohy's script is feeble and the film looks like one of those Z-grade movies that pop up in the darkest corners of Netflix. Still, it is watchable.
A spaceship crash lands on an uninhabited planet. Most of the passengers don't survive, but those who do are a rather uninteresting bunch. Carolyn Fry (Mitchell) is the pilot, William Johns (Hauser) is a cop, an imam (David) is also on board with three young Muslims on a pilgrimage to "New Mecca," and there's a kid (Griffith) on board too. There are others, but most of them don't last long. The most interesting person aboard is Richard B. Riddick (Diesel), a convicted murderer being transported to another prison. Riddick is a nasty piece of work: he cares about no one, he can dislocate his joints at will, and he can see in the dark. There's enough drama about finding a way off the planet to fill a whole movie, but the stakes here are higher. There are creatures on this planet who are bloodthirsty killers, and the only way to stay alive is to keep in the light. And that's a commodity that's quickly running out.
With the exception of Vin Diesel, no one really bears mentioning. Radha Mitchell has ability, but no presence. Cole Hauser is hot, but his dramatic range is limited. They're both character actors, and neither one of them is cut out for a lead role. Keith David is his usual reliable self, although there's almost nothing for him to do.
The one reason to see this film, which I don't recommend, is Vin Diesel. Although he's known for his appearance and gruff voice, it is interesting to know that Vin Diesel is not some meathead who got lucky. He's been acting all his life, and it shows, even in lame movies like "The Fast and the Furious." On paper, Riddick is only moderately interesting. But Diesel works to create a living, breathing person. Riddick is pretty creepy. He has a habit of turning up when no one expects it, manipulates people, and worse, is unpredictable. Even when we see his eyes, we never really know what he's thinking.
About all I can say about David Twohy's job as a director is that the aliens are creepy. They're like less slimy versions of the Xenomorph from the "Alien" franchise. But the editing is sloppy, the camerawork is bland, and the movie keeps spinning its wheels. About five minutes or so could have been shaved off without losing much (I know, I know, this is the unrated version).
This isn't a terrible movie, but there are other, far better, movies of this kind out there. Let's just hope that the sequels, including the newest one out Friday, are better.
Comments
Post a Comment