In David Twohy's 2000 independent Sci Fi breakout film, a vessel carrying a grabbag of refugees, lawbreakers, and average joes, crash lands on a seemingly deserted planet. Once the crew find signs of inhabitance, curiosities are aroused, and subsequently, tensions are flared when the crew starts getting picked off by a phantom menace. Little do they know that their precious cargo, in one hardened criminal, Richard B. Riddick (Diesel), is now the least of their worries.
"Pitch Black" is easily Vin Diesel's best work to date, and has catapulted the "Riddick" character, and the movie, into cult classic status. Twohy MASTERFULLY directs this ragtag bunch through the perils of desertion. Officer Johns, played by Cole Hauser is as smug and heartless as they come, especially given his sordid past with Riddick. Tag on the incredible Keith David, and you've got one hell of a solid cast for a little independent Sci Fi venture.
Aside from this truely being Diesel's movie, the cinematography is all aces.The "point of view" montages from Riddick and the aliens, coupled with unique and distinguishable special effects devoted to these characters is the stuff of Sci Fi legend. About as important as that in the original "War of the Worlds". Furthurmore, the filters used during the desert scenes were off the scale. Flat blue hues outdoors, at times faded white hues, both of which were just plain worked. Even the lighting department had noteworthy pieces in this movie, especially spooky shading and shadows, which really added to eerieness and desolation of the planet.
Like the last "Underworld" review, this is an extended version. In the cut scenes that were re-incorperated into the movie, it was mostly character development. Included was the build up of Officer Johns inability to cope with the fact that a woman, Officer Fry, was above him.
Riddick, in his scenes, showed that he was a smarter than he appeared, sharing his knowledge of modern machinery which in turn helped them in their bid to leave the planet. In addition, his character was shown as being somewhat compassionate, more so than you'd think having seen the theatrical edition.
That said, I highly recommend the Unrated Director's cut of "Pitch Black". It's great Sci Fi, Vin Diesel's absolute best perfomance ever, and what I feel, a still highly underrated piece of work.
9/10
Last edited by Cory Chaos on Aug 19th, 2004 at 11:36 PM
Know what I find most amusing/obnoxious now when I go back and re-watch this film? Sitting there and waiting to see if lead vampire Viktor will break out singing some lame-ass song... I've got Bill Nighy's character from Love Actually stuck in my head, and it's ruining the whole Underworld experience.
Doesn't look too harmful, but I'll take your word for it. I still give the award for scariest movie revolving around bands to Hedwig and the Angry Inch. But I digress...
I'm headed to the library in a few minutes, as I found you can rent movies there for FREE, which means I can see some that I wouldn't normally want to pay to see, but have interest in nevertheless.
Anywho, hows about a little review?
"The Godfather Pt. 1"
Set in 1945, Marlon Brando plays Don Vito Corleone, aka "The Godfather", and head of one of the most powerful crime families in New York. His line of business relys soley on favors, giving and recieving in exchange. Happy with this work ethic, when approached about going in on the distribution of narcotics, Corleone refuses, making him a marked man.
As the [SPOILER - highlight to read]: attempt on taking his life is failed, Corleone lay bedridden while his eldest son, Sonny, played by James Caan takes the reigns. A little high strung, Sonny gets himself in over his head,[SPOILER - highlight to read]: and is successfully executed. That leaves the good kid of the bunch, Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino. Eager to help, and fulfill his father's aspirations, Michael takes control of the family, and "returns the favor" to those who wronged his family in the beginning.
Powerful. That's the best way to describe "The Godfather". The cast is incredible, the story is swift, gripping and sight to watch unfold, and there is a great sense of sorrow and humility, even in the most notorious of characters. Even the score will send you into daze.
This is just a movie you need to completely devote 3 hours to, and not just sit here and listen to me gab about. Much like my feelings for "Donnie Brasco", I'm not a real fan of gangster films or dramas in general, but this one was done so tastefully and convincingly that I had no choice but to enjoy it.
A true American classic, and a nice rebound after my disappointment in Coppola's "Apocalypse Now"
8.5/10
Last edited by Cory Chaos on Aug 20th, 2004 at 08:30 PM
I just came back with the "Back to the Future" Trilogy on DVD , as well as David Twohy's "Below". I'm limited to 2 movies until my actual card arrives in the mail, then it's a 3 DVD limit, not sure about a VHS limit, however.
Looking to rent:
Godfather Part 2
Godfather Part 3
Tombstone
Good, Bad, and The Ugly
..and a few others. Should have "Below" up either tonight or tomorrow, with the "BTTF" in the coming days.
KMC Community Forums
Aug 19th, 2004 11:01 PM
did I miss the review for The Time Machine?
