Cert 15
119 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong bloody violence and strong language
Let me own up straightaway. Riddick was not likely to light my candle simply because I have never been into its brand of sci-fi.
To my mind, a film needs more than special effects and muscle to see it through.
However, I accept that it will have its devotees - a score of 7.0 on internet database for this film would reflect that.
Indeed, Mrs W was probably more taken with David Twohy's picture than me - particularly praising its opening minutes when we see our hero (Vin Diesel) apparently marooned on a inhospitable planet with only angry dog-like creatures and giant scorpions for company.
After the early battle for survival, the film spins back to establish how he found himself in such a desolate spot and then spins on to what happens when rival ships come looking for him.
Basically, Riddick is a battle for survival from its opening minutes until its finale with Diesel requiring every sinew to fight off those, either human or alien, who intend to see him dead.
The script is immaterial because this isn't a movie for fans of great dialogue. It is for those who want to see monsters and fighting.
Diesel does what Diesel does best and fights off all-comers be they the stereotypical villain (Jordi Molla), the slightly more thoughtful opponent (Matt Nable), the muscle-bound lass (Katee Sackoff) or fearsome CGI predators.
Sadly, I found it difficult to land on the same planet despite being immersed into the IMAX version at Nottingham Cineworld. I think one of the reasons, aside of the plot and acting, is that it is so dark.
Anyway, I reckoned my huge two-scoop ice cream deserved more of my attention.
Laughs: absolutely none
Jumps: to be fair, the scorpion-type creatures did have echoes of the velociraptors in Jurassic Park so made me squirm rather than jump.
Vomit: none
Nudity: yes, completely gratuitously
Overall rating: You have to admire its set-up so, on reflection, 4/10