Riddick has killed numerous men, women and children. He gives no reason for his murders, and the audience can easily see that he has no remorse. His last few years have been spent in a futuristic prison with few or no lights. The special effects are probably the highlight of the film, although they are really nothing out of the mundane. The three-sun concept was an interesting dilemma, but when the night came it was somewhat disappointing.
People instinctively fear the dark.
Long-held shots of pitch black, empty space with sounds of vicious alien creatures would have invoked the fear Twohy desired. With a multi-million dollar budget and an alien world, it is surprising that the result was not more thrilling. The film's running time is only 107 minutes, which is a relief from the three-hour films of Oscar season, but may be the reason the film seems somewhat incomplete. Twohy could have spent more time setting up the background of the flight. He also could have spent a few more minutes ending the film it seems rushed.