Not to be missed.. or watched in the dark

Rating: 8/10 (27 May 2000)

Pitch Black is one of those rare science fiction flicks that won't become legend but that you'll want all of your friends to see, because if they don't they're missing out on something extremely cool.
After the obligatory spaceship-passes-under-camera shot to open the film, nary a scene is wasted (although you will be allowed just enough time to catch your breath). Even the opening scene becomes striking in its unique beauty as you see the ship moving towards the trail of the comet which will lead our friends into disaster and shipwreck them on the alien-infested planet.
Radha Mitchell is a magnificent star, with the beauty to make you underestimate her and the acting and kick-butt ability to make her seem both strong enough to drive our characters to salvation yet fragile enough to make you wonder if she can pull it off.
Vin Diesel has a reputation as an egomaniac, but after this film you'll wonder if it isn't deserved. He has the strength (both the physical and the onscreen presence) to carry this film alone though I'm glad we still get to enjoy the great ensemble around him.
Thanks to great writing, the main characters never remain the way you expect them too. Before we know her as the hero, Radha is willing to sacrifice the lives of everyone to save her hide. When you believe Diesel, though a psychotic killer, at least has a sense of honor, the director pulls a fast one there, too.
And though this movie, like many others, begs you to scream "Run!" to the characters on the screen... well, that isn't always such a good idea either, even in Hollywood.
Pitch Black gives you just enough look at the aliens to know you don't want to mess with them. But you do want to see this movie.