Have seen other films with the same scenario, so what sets this film apart:

Rating: 9/10 (27 May 2009)

Not in order The crash landing...I see where Star Wars Ep.3 garnered inspiration from. The blood thirsty creatures. Cleverly displayed dark and fleeting; there's 3 scenes I saw them in detail. I still debate which species is worse the 1979 Alien or these guys...still can't decide. Anywhoo I love their deceptively sweet whale-esquire sounds and how relentless and by and large unstoppable.
The Characters: My favorites (in order) Fry, Jack, the leader of the New Mecca pilgrims then Riddick. My one trouble with the film and I had this with Chronicles of Riddick--Most the time I don't understand what Diesel is saying first hearing his lines; I have to listen at least three times. But that's just me--He's the funniest one in the film. Except for 2 of them (both a bit overly depended on controlled substances), I was sad when they were offed.
Now number 1 The whole eclipse sequence and the rise of the beast. Wow! Especially the eclipse--I've keep going back on it beginning to end.