Universal StudiosThe science-fiction thriller Riddick is about to hit theaters on Sept. 6.
Let's set the scene of the new film: the action begins with antihero Riddick (Vin Diesel) betrayed by his own people and left for dead on a deserted sun-scorched planet. He must fight for survival against alien predators more dangerous than any human he has ever met. As a result, he becomes stronger and more dangerous than ever before.
Following in the footsteps of Pitch Black (2000) and The Chronicles of Riddick (2004), all directed by David Twohy, how do critics feel about the franchise's third installment? Let's find out!
The Hollywood Reporter's Justin Lowe writes, "Significantly dialing back on Chronicles' sprawling scale, the latest installment feels tentative even at a flabby 120 minutes, more like a placeholder that barely advances the considerable Riddick mythology. Playing it safe with a script that offers Riddick up as a lone avenging hero, Twohy passes on the opportunity to effectively shade the character's distinctive dimensionality."
Variety's Scott Foundas praises Diesel saying he "cuts a most imposing figure, surprisingly lithe despite his bulk, and with an acerbic wit that keeps things light without ever approaching the cutesy. He is a most unusual movie star—or maybe the herald, along with his sometimes co-star the Rock, of a new breed of movie star—with his shiny bald pate, Barry White basso profondo and indeterminate ethnicity. But the camera unmistakably loves him—and judging from the cheers that erupted at the screening attended, from the mere presence of his name in the opening credits, so does the audience."
Vulture writer Bilge Ebiri says "there's something to admire in Riddick's initial willingness to be patient with its story, to quietly follow its hero and then, after the other characters arrive, to soberly watch them interact."
Rotten Tomatoes gave Riddick a 61 percent fresh rating.