Well, I just get the feeling that alot of people went in expecting a little too much out of it, and spent their time critiquing it, and not enjoying it.
It's not the greatest Sci Fi movie ever, but I don't think it deserves to be dumped on as much as it is. I've become pretty passionate about it, as witnessed in this thread.
I went in expecting nothing, and that's pretty much what I got. Nothing special or particularly memorable. The movie was just sort of there.
And Vin Diesel is a big draw my friend, He's one of the biggest rising action stars around right now, and one of the highest paid. This movie making only 24 million it's first weekend is indeed a bomb, considering how much they pushed it with advertisements and other promotions to get teh movie known to the people.
This was being billed as a big summer blockbuster flick, which suggests that it was expected by most people to make a decent amount of cash, which it did not, and probably will not do. Next weekend it will probably make less then this weekend, and the weekend after that it will make even less. This flick may only make a total of about 70 million or so during it's entire theatrical run. Thus not living up to tthe title of a "summer blockbuster" as people have described it as.
They did a poor job of marketing it.
Up until a couple of weeks before it's release, people still thought it was going to be prequel, set before "Pitch Black".
In addition, they failed to market it as a 3 part series. It could have easily been entitled "The Chroncles of Riddick: Ch. 1" or something along those lines. So, people that didn't know any better went in expecting it to be ONE movie, and not the set up for a 3 part franchise. That will certainly hurt it.
As for Vin Diesel being a draw. He's done 2 major motion pictures that people remember him for. "xXx" and "Fast and the Furious". He's only a draw for his supposed "sex appeal", his rugged exterior, not his acting. Just like Schwarznegger and "The Crock". I realize he earns $20 M a movie, that said, again, look at how many people have been willing to PAY him that much for his skills, and the movies they are for. Yes, 2 whole movies.
The funny thing is, his best performances are in the lesser known movies like "A Man Apart", "Pitch Black", and "Knockaround Guys".
Sadly enough, I think Diesel's star is already fading.
I do agree that his best flicks were teh lesser known ones you mentioned though.
However, the film was advertised pretty decently. The fact that the world "chonicles" is in the title should suggest to anyone with a brain that they are planning to have several movies starring Riddick. But I guess the tried and true method of assuming the audience is stupid holds true enough most of the time.
I really do hope his star is fading, I really have gotten sick of him and his overly raspy and annoying voice. Sounds like Kermit the frog on PCP.
Originally posted by BackFire
The fact that the world "chonicles" is in the title should suggest to anyone with a brain that they are planning to have several movies starring Riddick. But I guess the tried and true method of assuming the audience is stupid holds true enough most of the time.
馃憜 That's the average American movie goer for ya.
Originally posted by BackFire
I do agree that his best flicks were teh lesser known ones you mentioned though.However, the film was advertised pretty decently. The fact that the world "chonicles" is in the title should suggest to anyone with a brain that they are planning to have several movies starring Riddick. But I guess the tried and true method of assuming the audience is stupid holds true enough most of the time.
I really do hope his star is fading, I really have gotten sick of him and his overly raspy and annoying voice. Sounds like Kermit the frog on PCP.
But a series it looks like it will not be after this weekend's bomb. It got much less money then what it cost.
Originally posted by CinemaddictionSpoiler:
We're talking about the Necromongers with the Heat Vision? I noticed that, sure, but it wasn't enough for me to draw a correlation between them and the Predator. They look nothing alike. That brand of Necromonger looked more like a deep sea diver, with that circlular, florescent pink facemask.
Well, I'm not saying they ripped it off or anything. Don't know if that really neede spoilers either. They just reminded me of the Predators because of their sounds and vision. Obviously not because of their appearance. They also stood like them though too now that I think about it. At one time one of them arched their chest forward and looked upwards like the Predators would stand.
Originally posted by lil bitchiness
Really....? Beh, thats a turn off....I still am gonna see it...i enjoyed Pitch Black..it wasnt a great movie, but i enjoyed watching it....this doesnt look anything like it, but still....
You're right, the two movies have absolutely nothing in common, aside from both starring Riddick.
IMHGGO:
The biggest thing that jumped out at me was that the Necromongers reminded me, in visage and attitude, of White Wolf's Exalted Abyssals. From the kick ass animeish armor, to their creed of "You get what you Kill", to the "essence" trails left by their ships and
Spoiler:
the effect of Lord Marshal's strange powers.
All in all, very good eye candy. And I am excited to learn that this is just the 1st of 3! This makes Stephi happy. I'm glad they're embellishing more on Riddick the character, one that I found supremely intriguing in Pitch Black. He has the "F you and leave me alone" attitude, but can get a spongee spot for those who earn his respect. I love Riddick. But I wonder, how many female characters are they gonna slather on Riddick and then kill off? Makes you wonder...
Well, anywho, there's my two cents. Like I said before, I absolutely loved the movie. I'm actually curious to know if there are any books written about Riddick or if this is just a from screen to screen type character.
Stephi, there is actually an anime Riddick movie being released tomorrow on DVD intitled "Dark Fury", and it sounds like it's right up your alley.
It's supposed to tie together "Pitch Black" and "Chronicles" together much like "The Animatrix" did for the "Matrix" trilogy. It's voiced by Vin Diesel as well, which is always a plus.
I plan on renting it, given it is available.