Them Aussies have got something!

Rating: 8/10 (27 April 2010)

"I know! How about doing a science fiction horror movie in Australia with a leading man who has only ever done bit parts, and a supporting cast of mostly unknowns?"
"What a great idea! When do we start?"
If the concept was less than promising, the execution more than made up for it. An accident crashes a spaceship on an apparently barren planet, leaving less than a dozen survivors. One of these is convicted mass murderer Riddick who is being transported to pay for his crimes. It turns out that the planet is just about to enter a period of sustained and total night, which is when thousands of pterodactyl-like blind predators emerge. Fortunately - perhaps - Riddick's eyes have been modified to allow him to stay in the dark.
Of course, this is yet another take on the "last man standing" theme, but with some nice wrinkles. The scenario is original, there are some interesting characters, and the uncertainty over exactly where Riddick stands adds its own tension to the considerable tension generated by the survivors' plight. There are some powerful performances, particularly from Radha Mitchell, and Vin Diesel in his first leading role, oozes charisma, not to mention silky menace. The critters are memorable and the effects overall are excellent.
Only one thing mars the movie slightly - what do the critters eat on the desert planet when they can't get stranded spacefarers?