Pitch Black

I'm having a Riddick Marathon Day. When this first of the franchise came out (2000) the billing of it as a horror film made me a little tentative (I'm a whimp when it comes to horror movies) but I'm so glad I took a chance. The writing is creative, the acting should make Australia (and California) proud, the monsters are convincing, the look at humanity is insightful, the anti-hero extraordinary and the tension is well played. This is one of my favourite cult films (with two of my favourite actors - Vin Diesel and Claudia Black). I give it a 10 (the total package) out of 10. And for those worried about the horror - today it would only classify as a thriller. [Thrilling SciFi Action]

Yeah, it hasn't aged well when it comes to SFX. That and the fact it didn't had a massive budget to begin with. If you can look past that you still are left with a great movie that isn't just a scifi action flick. And in my eyes a hell lot better that what they put out today.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Riddick is written well and a straight up badass. He has some great one-liners. I have a lot of good things to say about this. First I want to point out the writing for each character and how they were portrayed. A lot of films think that simply having an eclectic cast will make the movie better or more interesting. Pitch Black is not of those films. The variety in races and accents adds character to an already well-written script. The theme of faith was also presented well and made for some really interesting conversations. This film is one of my favorite examples of the third act being the best. First two acts are great but the third act is just about perfect. “There is my God, Mr. Riddick.” My only complaint about this film would be the character development and resolution of Johns. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good alien monster flick.

This movie is an awesome example how to create a great sci-fi movie with an interesting story and thrill while on a tight budget. They used the money they had just in a right way.
One of the best Vin Diesel movies that created an iconic character.

An excellent SciFi Action Horror Movie that distinguishes itself by offering interesting visuals, suspense and surprises that can keep you hooked until the end. Vin Diesel is also in his element, which helps making the movie work.

“Strong survival instinct. I admire that in a woman.”
- Richard B. Riddick

"Richard B. Riddick. Escaped convict. Murderer."

Riddick is my favorite Vin Diesel character because of this film and the games Escape from Butcher Bay and Assault on Dark Athena. I wish he would produce a third one with his game developing company.

Anyway Pitch Black still holds up, I love the pace, enjoy the characters, love the creature design, I enjoy the world its in, Vin Diesel rocks those glasses and shivs, the gender twist, Radha Mitchell is a great leading lady, Claudia Black is always a delight and Riddick sitting under the umbrella is still such a great sight!

David Twohy did an amazing job here and made sure Pitch Black is a film you can't miss.

Loved it.

With no aspirations to be a franchise, this is a very effective low budget sci-fi thriller. Twohy makes very clever use of his budget, through cinematography that helps to sell the otherworldly environment and a concept that allows him to hide the primitive CGI used for the creature effects. After a great opening crash landing, Twohy gradually builds up the tension to the inevitable eclipse and whilst most of the cast are essentially there to be picked off one by one, the three core central characters are interesting and developed well and unpredictable with a very effective moment of redemption and closure at the end. It is easy to see why more films were made as Riddick is the standout character, but both Radha Mitchell and Cole Hauser make an impact too. There are some great tense moments in the darkness and clever use of limited Iighting.