pitchblack

David Twohy's sci-if extravaganza " Pitch Black " is a mildly amusing way to spend a couple of hours in the cinema. There are some exciting moments, and it's filmed in an unusual futuristic way, but don’t go in expecting another " Alien ". For the most part, it’s a typical mediocre sci-fi/action flick that doesn’t set it's standards too high.

The plot of " Pitch Black " is set in the future, where a group of space travellers crash land on a seemingly lifeless sun-scorched planet. They soon find that when night falls, they are not alone… Among the travellers is a convicted killer named Riddick, who agrees to help the crew escape the planet in return for his freedom.

That’s all that there is really to the story, it’s the typical " guys on the run from horrible monsters " yarn, but to Twohy's credit, he   creates some very effective moments.

However, my bone-picking with " Pitch Black " began about two minutes into the film, with the intro sequence of the space travellers cruiser crashing. This sequence, which is supposed to create an adrenalin rush for the audience, simply bores the viewer senseless. Well, this was the case with me. For about ten minutes we are treated to people shouting and screaming, and it sets the standard for the entire movie, mostly tired fare.

As for the characters, they are neither likeable nor interesting. The female heroin is basically a rip off of Ripley from " Alien " and the much hailed Vin Diesel   is as an actor, about as interesting as a walnut. It escapes me how people can so easily mistake an evil grin and shiny eyes for a great performance, but then again, if you like bland performers, he may be perfect for you.

Now, I didn't loathe this film as I loathed " Nutty Professor 2 ", but after viewing such sci-fi classics as   " Star Wars " and " Alien ", " Pitch Black" really doesn't appear to be more than the average monster film, which is disappointing considering the good buzz about it.

To his credit, director David Twohy manages to fashion some exciting scenes, notably when the group are navigating their way back to the ship, through the path of hundreds of savage alien creatures. This is probably the best scene in the film, with lots of flashy infa-red visuals and " look behind you " moments.
It is in the visual area that " Pitch Black " succeeds the most. There is one fantastic image that sticks out in my mind, when through a hazy crimson sunset, thousands of grotesque flying beasts swoop toward the group of travellers. Throughout the film there are superb visuals such as this, it's just a pity that the characters and plot weren't a bit more interesting to accompany them.

Overall, if you are a fan of monster movies, " Pitch Black " will probably please you, with   it's beautiful images and occasionally scary moments. However, if you like me, prefer a little more depth and character development in movies, you will probably find this a disappointing, but watchable effort.