Pitch Black
USA Films | Release Date: February 18, 2000
8.5
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 406 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
352
Mixed:
35
Negative:
19
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
9
gt1967Jun 14, 2020
In my opinion Vin Diesel's best movie. The dialogue is spot on, with so many great lines. Riddick is super badass and just an awesome character. The supporting characters are interesting, Radha Mitchell plays her role brilliantly. The endingIn my opinion Vin Diesel's best movie. The dialogue is spot on, with so many great lines. Riddick is super badass and just an awesome character. The supporting characters are interesting, Radha Mitchell plays her role brilliantly. The ending doesn't disappoint and just leaves you hungry for more. Just an all around brilliant sci fi movie.… Expand
21 of 21 users found this helpful210
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9
SolariumJan 12, 2020
A- *************************************************************************
21 of 21 users found this helpful210
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9
mbeckfordOct 27, 2020
The movie that put Vin Diesel on the map as Riddick, the crooked anti-hero wanted by bounty hunters. This is another movie that benefits from knowing very little before watching the film.
20 of 20 users found this helpful200
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10
walker14Apr 20, 2014
wait what? The critics don't like this movie too? Oh my God! Since the first time I saw this movie i never forgot it, I always loved it.. when I found out that it was Riddick, I saw the two movies that existed and I became completelywait what? The critics don't like this movie too? Oh my God! Since the first time I saw this movie i never forgot it, I always loved it.. when I found out that it was Riddick, I saw the two movies that existed and I became completely addicted! It's such a good storyline, amazing characters. I've always loved sci-fi but this? Is another level. I love it. it's amazing. Very creative. Too good, seriously.… Expand
19 of 19 users found this helpful190
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9
elmunroJun 5, 2019
Moderate exposition to begin with, and a rather basic plot. However, the characters feel rich and developed by the third act and are true to their natures. Impressive for a 2000s Sci-Fi/Thriller and worth watching if interested in the RiddickModerate exposition to begin with, and a rather basic plot. However, the characters feel rich and developed by the third act and are true to their natures. Impressive for a 2000s Sci-Fi/Thriller and worth watching if interested in the Riddick saga in general.… Expand
19 of 19 users found this helpful190
All this user's reviews
10
Rave104Apr 9, 2021
The film takes place in 2578. It matches with the core samples read by Fry, "76875/87/656", where 76875 is the number sample, 87 the days of the expedition since the arrival to the planet and 656 the date (June 2556).
19 of 19 users found this helpful190
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10
LevitationApr 13, 2021
The contacts that Vin Diesel wore to play Riddick were a prototype. After the first day of filming, when they tried to remove the contact lenses, they couldn't. Due to where they were filming, they had to have an optometrist flown in from theThe contacts that Vin Diesel wore to play Riddick were a prototype. After the first day of filming, when they tried to remove the contact lenses, they couldn't. Due to where they were filming, they had to have an optometrist flown in from the nearest town, three hours away. Diesel called the contacts hubcaps.… Expand
19 of 19 users found this helpful190
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10
Compendium828Apr 15, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The film was originally titled Nightfall and about a female outlaw named Tara Krieg with tribal tattoos and enhancements from her interstellar tribe of barbarians. Imam was named Noah Toth a member of a technology-based version of Christianity and he had no pilgrims, there was no eclipse, only a two-month day and two-month night, there was no geologist's outpost, only ancient ruins and instead of aliens the villains were the ghosts of the creatures who built the ruins trying to defend their homeworld. There was no escape ship, but a distress beacon, and Tara, Carolyn Fry, Jack, Noah Toth (Imam) and Paris were all supposed to make it off the alien world, called "Hades" instead of M6-117. Johns' morphine addiction, the cannon-fodder teens, the solar orrery and the geologist's camp were added by David Twohy.… Expand
19 of 19 users found this helpful190
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10
CarnivalApr 19, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Vin Diesel said that while shooting the scenes where his character was in a suspended animation chamber, he had a claustrophobia attack and had to be taken out of the chamber.… Expand
19 of 19 users found this helpful190
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10
PheromoneApr 7, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. To determine the rotation time of the planets of the solar system where Fry and the rest crashed, they look at a movable model in a room at the settlement. The device is called an "orrery," and is used by astronomers when modelling our own solar system.… Expand
18 of 18 users found this helpful180
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10
VanuatuApr 8, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The contact lenses Vin Diesel wore in the movie, while a prototype during production, were briefly available to the public from Lens Quest following the release of the film. They were called Shine Job, like in the movie.… Expand
16 of 16 users found this helpful160
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10
UvulaApr 11, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In Riddick's backstory: Riddick was a Company Ranger in the military, where he learned to pilot ships, worked in tunnels as a Sweeper and was promoted to the prestigious Strikeforce Academy on Sigma 3's moon. Riddick spoke out against enforcing security on Sigma 3 and publicly stated that life on Sigma 3 was akin to slavery and the enforcing security personnel were murdering and torturing workers. The company disposed of evidence and arrested Riddick, who was subsequently sent to prison.… Expand
16 of 16 users found this helpful160
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10
DawdlerApr 12, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. When Carolyn sees Johns injecting drugs into his eye she refers to him as a "hype." This was also a historical slang term for drug users (mainly heroin users) in the 1940s to early 1960s.… Expand
16 of 16 users found this helpful160
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10
BisectApr 17, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The film was shot in Australia over the course of 65 days.

The weapon Johns uses is an Armscor M30R6 shotgun, modified to look futuristic.… Expand
16 of 16 users found this helpful160
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10
AmuletApr 19, 2021
According to Pitch Black's official web, the main characters have different ages due to the hibernation during the space travel:

-Fry (paper age, 41; actual age after cryo-deduction, 25). -Johns (paper age, 37; actual age afterAccording to Pitch Black's official web, the main characters have different ages due to the hibernation during the space travel:

-Fry (paper age, 41; actual age after cryo-deduction, 25).

-Johns (paper age, 37; actual age after cryo-deduction, 29).

-Owens (paper age, 50; actual age after cryo-deduction, 33).

-Zeke (paper age, 39; actual age after cryo-deduction, 39).

-Shazza (paper age, 37; actual age after cryo-deduction, 28).

-Paris (paper age, 72; actual age after cryo-deduction, 47).

-Imam (paper age, 47; actual age after cryo-deduction, 45).

-Jack (estimated age, 13; actual age after cryo-deduction, unknown).

-Riddick (uncertain age due to no birth certificate on file).… Expand
15 of 15 users found this helpful150
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10
SputterApr 20, 2021
While waiting between takes, the lighting team would set up several 5k lights to allow the rest of the crew to warm up, before they had to go back to work in the sub-fifty degree Fahrenheit (ten degrees Celsius) weather.
15 of 15 users found this helpful150
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9
Jedi_JettsonJun 21, 2012
David Twohy did such a surprisingly fantastic job of this sleeper hit you just have to accept it as a great thrill-ride of a Sci-Fi monster thriller for it's clever and intelligent writing. Though derivative, it has a perfect setting and itDavid Twohy did such a surprisingly fantastic job of this sleeper hit you just have to accept it as a great thrill-ride of a Sci-Fi monster thriller for it's clever and intelligent writing. Though derivative, it has a perfect setting and it intelligently conflicts with the tension from the flying creatures that frighteningly entertains. Also, what if I said it's better than Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection? Because I think it is despite the underrated visual effects. Rated R for sequences of strong sci-fi creature violence and gore, language, and frightening images… Expand
24 of 25 users found this helpful241
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9
TylerDurden900Jul 10, 2014
Pitch Black is a thrilling science fiction movie with terrific acting and visual effects. This movie is very underrated and it is one of the few movies to take place in space. Every aspect of the movie was
well made and it is a work of artPitch Black is a thrilling science fiction movie with terrific acting and visual effects. This movie is very underrated and it is one of the few movies to take place in space. Every aspect of the movie was
well made and it is a work of art and skill.… Expand
22 of 23 users found this helpful221
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9
bfoore90Jul 31, 2015
Possibly one of the best low budget movies Ive ever seen. The story is simple and very by the book, not to mention basic and the characters are great with each standing out in their own way. This movie is very deserving of its "cult classic" status
21 of 22 users found this helpful211
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10
Midge115May 26, 2012
Possibly the best Science Fiction movie of the 21st century, Pitch Black delivers an astounding sci-fi horror story that chronicles the events surrounding survivors of a space transport crash on a different planet. Each character flourishesPossibly the best Science Fiction movie of the 21st century, Pitch Black delivers an astounding sci-fi horror story that chronicles the events surrounding survivors of a space transport crash on a different planet. Each character flourishes in their well-defined personality, their movements, and behavior. The way they clash and the manner in which the story is told is brilliant. This is easily one of the greatest movies in the last fifty years.… Expand
62 of 65 users found this helpful623
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10
xXRenTyrellXxSep 11, 2011
Though the Riddick films are so under appreciated (it's a crime) I speak for real si-fi fans when I say that the Riddick series (video games included) is one of the greatest series of its genre.
20 of 21 users found this helpful201
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10
LegibleApr 18, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It was Cole Hauser's idea for Johns to shoot up the drugs into his eye.

When Riddick pulled the tarp off one of the buildings, revealing Jack, a tied rope was on the other side, causing Vin Diesel to pull a muscle.… Expand
16 of 17 users found this helpful161
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10
BaskApr 23, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It turns "pitch black " exactly 59 minutes into the movie. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,… Expand
10 of 10 users found this helpful100
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10
RindApr 22, 2021
Vin Diesel said of filming in the South Australian outback mining town of Coober Pedy in South Australia that the location "is an amazing place in the middle of the desert; not a tree, not a thing in sight, other than dirt. A few houses makeVin Diesel said of filming in the South Australian outback mining town of Coober Pedy in South Australia that the location "is an amazing place in the middle of the desert; not a tree, not a thing in sight, other than dirt. A few houses make up the 'town' of about two thousand people. I'm from New York - I grew up in a building of a thousand people.… Expand
9 of 9 users found this helpful90
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10
oustApr 26, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The next Alien...

From the first 10 seconds of Pitch Black I was hooked. I had walked into this movie thinking that it would be just another cheesy sci-fi movie. Instead I found a highly entertaining, on the edge of your seat, thought provoking action film. The movie goes beyond your basic special effects flick. The actors are amazing, Radah Mitchell (High Art, Love and other..) as Fry is truly a joy to watch on screen, while Vin Diesel as Riddeck is so captivating that you are dying just to hear him speak again.

The look of the movie is breath taking, the contrast of blues, yellows and oranges due to the three different suns is amazing. Followed by the complete darkness of nightfall. I would truly recommend any lover of the ALIEN movies or Radha Mitchell (which is why I went to see it) to check out this film. I'm sure by the end you'll look at the dark in a whole new way.… Expand
9 of 9 users found this helpful90
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10
ProlificApr 25, 2021
¡¿¡¿¡¿¡¿¡¿¡¿¡¿¡¿¡¿¡¿¡¿¡¿¡¿¿¡¿¡¿¡¿¿¿¿¡¡¡¡¿¿¿¡¡¿¿¿¡¡¡¿¿¿¡¡¿¿¿¡¡¿¿¡¡¿¿¡¡¿¿¡¡¡¿¿¡¡¿¿¡¡¡¿¿```````````````````````````
8 of 8 users found this helpful80
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10
ConsortApr 24, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The cutting torch Fry looks for is an oxygen-acetylene torch. However, when they have to cut their way into the next compartment, Riddick is using a plasma cutting torch. An oxy-acetylene cutting torch would leave the edges of whatever it cut glowing red. When Riddick comes through the hole he just made, the edges aren't glowing. Furthermore you can see from over Riddick's shoulder that the plasma cutter's tip is cylindrical and a larger diameter with no taper and the oxy-acetylene tip is smaller and tapers to the end.… Expand
7 of 7 users found this helpful70
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10
DiameterApr 28, 2021
++++++++++++++××××××××××××÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷=======///////€£*),.,((*&*&;&!:^:%#-'dd...........□■●○▪`~|{♡}[]《》》¿¡☆°°¤¤°⊙⊙♧○●□■☆☆☆☆☆
7 of 7 users found this helpful70
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10
DefameApr 30, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Carolyn Fry: How much do you weigh, Johns?

William J. Johns: What's it matter, Carolyn?

Carolyn Fry: How much?

William J. Johns: Around 79 kilos, to be exact.

Carolyn Fry: 'Cause you're 79 kilos of gutless white meat, and that's why you can't think of a better plan.… Expand
7 of 7 users found this helpful70
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10
Vial44May 1, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Miscellaneous When Riddick is put in "chains" again after Zeke dies, you can clearly see that the "chain" is a telephone cord going above his head. This can be seen very clearly in the conversation between Johns and Riddick just before Riddick is freed.… Expand
6 of 6 users found this helpful60
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10
Aversion68May 2, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Character Error

When Johns says how long could the eclipse last. A few hours or a day tops. Imam says that will be a lasting darkness 2 planets are moving as one. He should have said 3 planets moving as one. Same thing goes for the eclipse itself. Should have been 2 planets blocking the 3 suns.… Expand
6 of 6 users found this helpful60
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10
AssonanceMay 4, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. To get the other-worldly colour effect from the planet's sun, the filmmakers decided not to use bleach on the film negatives. Adding bleach to the negatives is done to remove silver nitrate from them. According to director David Twohy, this could have been done in post production, but would have had to be applied to a whole reel instead of shot by shot so they used this process to the original negatives.… Expand
5 of 5 users found this helpful50
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10
Xlyophone199May 5, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An Excellent use of Sci-Fi as a story telling medium
While most movies that pit humans against horrendous extra terrestrials end up being cheap imitations of the 'Aliens' series, Pitch Black stands as a fine piece of Sci-Fi, and an excellent movie all around. Perhaps my favorite aspect of the film is the lighting. This movie beautifully employs many different colors, shades and intensities of light which set the mood and lend a unique feeling to the film itself, something different than the 'normal' movie lighting we are generally subjected to. Vin Diesel brings his character to life in an excellent manner, skillfully avoiding the routine portrayal of the hardened criminal. After all, the film is about Riddick's (Diesel's character) personal journey, so thankfully Vin doesn't drop the ball. The remainder of the cast (with the exception of the talented and gorgeous Claudia Black) were unknown to me but all turned in marvelous performances, animating the diverse characters with unique quirks and mannerisms. Pitch Black is a perfect example of making a great film with out the resources of an excessive budget. The special effects are more than adequate, but at the same time they are by no means the sole focus, as in many high budget 'blockbusters'. It's a great movie because it uses Science Fiction as a medium to tell an engaging, provoking story, rather then telling a mediocre story to use the flash of Science Fiction… Expand
5 of 5 users found this helpful50
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10
Chassis28May 7, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 10/10

Diesel's Best, a totally brilliant movie !

This is a wonderful blend of sci-fi, horror and action as Vin Diesel teaches everyone not to mess with him!

Diesel brings the appropriate amount of menace to the character and the story that winds around is he a good guy or a bad guy or both. You never really know how he is going to act, right up to the end. This doubt really serves the movie well. Who is the actual enemy is it the aliens or is it Riddick?

The style of the movie draws the viewer in and makes you feel like you are on the ground with them, feeling their fears.… Expand
5 of 5 users found this helpful50
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10
Spar154May 8, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Continuity

In the scene just before Johns is killed he loads the shotgun and uses it as a prop to stand up. The barrel is plugged with dirt when he gets up, in the next scene it is not plugged as he attempts to shoot the monster attacking him.… Expand
5 of 5 users found this helpful50
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10
Tendril28May 31, 2021
&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;&;
⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙
5 of 5 users found this helpful50
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10
CharlescarterAug 7, 2022
Absolutely groundbreaking sc-fi action/thriller. One of the greatest movie characters the genre has produced. Simply incredible
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
eva3si0nOct 10, 2021
Pitch Black space thriller laid the foundation for a whole Riddick franchise. Vin Diesel has not yet found a family and starred in good films. The thriller is good, of course the small budget is striking - the scenery is deserted, CGI is evenPitch Black space thriller laid the foundation for a whole Riddick franchise. Vin Diesel has not yet found a family and starred in good films. The thriller is good, of course the small budget is striking - the scenery is deserted, CGI is even nondescript for the late 90s. But the story is interesting.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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10
MarcusPJul 28, 2009
Great movie, had a very dark gritty feel to it and, oh yeah Riddick's a Badass.
2 of 3 users found this helpful
8
FredBobOct 15, 2006
I must say that I think that the character that Vin Diesel plays is the all-time best fictional character ever. Who's cool? The movie in general is good, better then it's follow up film. But it still has it's dull spots.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
8
SamApr 6, 2006
Pitch Black isn't the greatest sci-fi movie of all time, and it isn't trying to be. It is, though, a helluva lot of fun.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
8
JeffA.Nov 24, 2007
Dunno why the low score, this is a great, different, if slightly cheesy movie. Diesel has a style all his own.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
8
SchroederRockApr 16, 2012
An incredibly fun and intense sci-fi thriller that shows Vin Diesel has real character that fits him outside of The Fast and the Furious. The first ten minutes are so full of white-knuckle insanity that, with a good crowd sitting in front ofAn incredibly fun and intense sci-fi thriller that shows Vin Diesel has real character that fits him outside of The Fast and the Furious. The first ten minutes are so full of white-knuckle insanity that, with a good crowd sitting in front of a sweet entertainment center/home theater, you'll likely be clutching the sides of the sofa to find any mental stability. When all is said and done, Pitch Black is an gem that's unpolished in all the right places to give it plenty of character and isn't any longer than it needs to be with its near two hour run-time.… Expand
9 of 19 users found this helpful910
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8
Bruce722Sep 5, 2013
Pitch Black meshes the sci-fi/fantasy genre with the horror genre better than any other movie, including Alien. Vin Diesel's character is amazing. His highly questionable moral compass combined with a strange sense of principles creates aPitch Black meshes the sci-fi/fantasy genre with the horror genre better than any other movie, including Alien. Vin Diesel's character is amazing. His highly questionable moral compass combined with a strange sense of principles creates a very interesting character dynamic. The supporting cast is solid too, with Radha Mitchell possibly seeing even more screen time than Diesel's Riddick. The cinematic effects, however, are what make this movie stand out. The camera effects are sometimes a little overdone but the color palette used throughout most of the film is done to great effect. The plot suffers from a couple of cliched episodes of stupidity that plague almost all movies (most notably Paris' ridiculous act towards the end). It also wraps up a bit too suddenly. It feels like the movie is building towards a climax and it ends rather abruptly. Nonetheless, this is an instant cult classic that has held up well over the years and I highly suggest checking it out.… Expand
6 of 16 users found this helpful610
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8
gracjanskiMar 6, 2021
Although this movie had a low budget it looks not bad, especially the creatures are nice and the planet looks well also. The story is nothing special and you will recognise it surely. Some of the characters have also not much depth, but VinAlthough this movie had a low budget it looks not bad, especially the creatures are nice and the planet looks well also. The story is nothing special and you will recognise it surely. Some of the characters have also not much depth, but Vin Diesel is a surprise.… Expand
5 of 14 users found this helpful59
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8
chrisjones914Jul 29, 2014
Great start to the Riddick trilogy! I takes time to really get going and I wish there had been a little more action but still its a good sci fi thriller none the less!
5 of 17 users found this helpful512
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8
jesterx7769Sep 12, 2013
Movie is good for what it is. Some plot holes here and then but the writing was good with some surprises. Obviously its about vin diesel killing things.
4 of 18 users found this helpful414
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7
oliver1hMay 17, 2013
Yes it is a "B-Movie" with limited budget! It is not deeply philosophical, or ground breaking, but IT NEVER TRIED TO BE!!! Critics who gave it low scores should understand this! As a B-movie, it rather good, and not without character!
3 of 21 users found this helpful318
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7
JamesCannonNov 19, 2014
Not going to change the world, but good underrated sci fy thriller. I believe it was pretty much trashed by critics when it first came out. It does seem like it is going to be a mediocre aliens rip off. Surprisingly the script is sharp andNot going to change the world, but good underrated sci fy thriller. I believe it was pretty much trashed by critics when it first came out. It does seem like it is going to be a mediocre aliens rip off. Surprisingly the script is sharp and the characters are well fleshed out before all the mayhem happens. What also helps is Riddick as an interesting choice for a hero. He is a convict whose choices and moral decisions are blurry. He is well played by Deisel and he is able to carry the film and even elevate to something pretty good. The effects are so so but are good enough, i watched a recent hd version and some of it looks good.… Expand
1 of 15 users found this helpful114
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7
[Anonymous]Sep 30, 2005
(for director's cut) Starts off clunky, like Alien-lite, but Vin diesel steps up to form an saves it at the end. ONly worth ONE watch, though. Won't endure past that.
0 of 2 users found this helpful
10
Allen&LauraR.Nov 18, 2008
We loves this movies is great!! We have seen it 10 time. it show more action!! hope in the future there will be Pitchblack Pt.2.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
7
tonykurebusuAug 21, 2023
The film has aged very badly in terms of editing and color grading, but interesting characters and the world outweigh for the better.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
Patsy11Aug 19, 2023
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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