This film has great sound! Clean crisp well-distributed audio pops cracks and explodes throughout the theatre. And that percussive score layered with thick commanding strings and eerie moody choir voices gives the film an able strength. Special effects, especially during close in fight scenes are tight, artistic, and unusual in their sensitivity to light and dark. In fact the motif of light and dark in this film is quite commendable. However, more global, open shots of larger expanses: cities and even planets -- these feel drawn, fake. They are the weakest links in the visual landscape and unfortunately, their break in the chain of believability is problematic.

Aside from a sticky clunky beginning, in which the audience must be taught the rules of this sci-fi adventure, the film shows great discipline in pace and intensity. The picture sports an ever-increasing charge toward the climax, a great deal of action and excitement, and in between, very well earned tension.

I've always liked Vin Diesel, his acting is terribly inconsistent -- sometimes he nails a line with all the flair and passion of Hollywood's best actors, then others he delivers with all the excitement of a math teacher. Still, he never loses command of the screen, and he conveys a wonderful complexity of heart and thought. In fact, this character "Riddick" is so much fun because he's not the Boy Scout superman -- he (supposedly) is a bad boy himself. In this way, he's quite like the lead in "XXX." And in fact, Diesel's character in "Pitch Black" (another Twohy film) is Riddick

Excellent performances by Thandie Newton (who looks smashing) and Linus Roache as the purist. Sweet art direction & costume design as well.