Hatchet reporter Arich Morales shares his latest cinematic experience. 

“Riddick” 2013

★✰✰✰✰

Think “Aliens versus Predators” mixed with Will Smith’s “I am Legend.”

Directed by David Twohy, “Riddick” is the third installment of the “Chronicles of Riddick” series that came out in 2004. And over the span of nine years, not much has improved.

The film follows Riddick (Vin Diesel), an escaped convict wanted by every mercenary and bounty hunter in the universe. He has been left for dead on an unnamed planet to fend for himself against alien predators.

On his travels, he stumbles upon a mercenary station and activates an emergency beacon, realizing that the only way off the planet is to hitchhike on passing ships. However, the two ships that respond are anything but friendly, with one bearing a band of lethal mercenaries and the other personally pursuing Riddick. But differences are put aside as a storm of huge proportions approaches the station and brings a threat that potentially jeopardizes their chances of escape.

At its core, this film is the story of a survivor. Riddick is constantly defending himself against alien creatures, mercenaries, and bounty hunters. While it’s not an original idea, if done properly, it can deliver compelling storylines. But “Riddick” is not one of these films. Its generic plot and design of alien creatures resembles too closely to AVP, and it leaves no lasting impression on the audience.

Still, the film packs in some action, creative fatalities and sarcastic dry humor, especially in the beginning where Riddick gives a few quirky narratives in the background.

Overall, “Riddick” has some entertainment value, but it’s hardly a standout. The trite storyline in this latest sequel inhibits the film series from becoming a notable sci-fi blockbuster.

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Director: David Twohy

Cast: Vin Diesel, Kate Sackhoff, Karl Urban, Jordi Molla, Matt Nable

Release Date: Sept. 7