Pitch Black

2000, APJAC Productions

Co-writer and director David Twohy created a minor sleeper hit with his Vin Diesel-fuelled action/horror crossover. Given its horror component and strong attention on pop icon Diesel, I was a little leery of the film at first, but was somewhat pleasantly surprised by the originality of certain aspects, and the decent performances of much of the cast. After a lukewarm audience reception, it has since acquired a small cult following.

DKS 12/17/17

GRUMPY OLD FART-O-METER® Rating:

Almost Nice

The Chronicles of Riddick

2004, Radar Pictures et al

David Twohy attempted to create a Riddick mythology in this overwrought sequel. Original and intriguing on rare occasion, it suffers from extending Vin Diesel's one-note performance far too long. The cult that formed around Pitch Black has embraced this otherwise dismal performer, which almost bombed at the box office.

DKS 12/17/17

GRUMPY OLD FART-O-METER® Rating:

Tolerable

Riddick

2004, Radar Pictures et al

Expanding the Riddick mythos to absurd new heights, David Twohy mercifully completes his trilogy with a marginally better installment, thanks to improved performances and production values. A bigger box office take and substantial DVD sales have Vin Diesel and David Twohy discussing a fourth installment, as well as a possible spin-off television series.

DKS 12/17/17

GRUMPY OLD FART-O-METER® Rating:

Almost Nice

 

Index | Home
All text is Copyright © 2017-2023 by David K. Smith. All Rights Reserved.