A baffling array of ups and downs.

Rating: Null/10 (4 January 2002)

If you're a fan of the sci-fi genre, watch Pitch Black. There are enough good things happening in this film to make it worth the time.
The plot is fairly straight forward, but it does hinge on a decent sci-fi premise rather than something recycled with sci-fi backdrop. The dialog is quite good, but some of the actors aren't quite up to the task.
The CG in this film is fairly well composited, but not convincingly rendered, and the creatures themselves are neither original nor remarkably competent.
But there is one thing about this film that really stands out: the character of Riddick played by Vin Diesel. Riddick's story is fleshed out just enough to keep you wondering, especially at what we are shown about him, rather than told. Diesel delivers his dialog flawlessly, and there are some exchanges that carry so much menace and charisma that I began to wonder why film couldn't have had just this one main character.
In the end, Pitch Black really leaves you wanting something more, but what's there is worth seeing.