Oh isn’t it dark in here…
It’s sometime in the future, a spaceship caught up in a meteor shower crash-lands on an unknown planet. What few survivors are left have to contend with the lack of food and water, the searing blaze of three suns, and the threat from one ‘hard as nails’ killer (Diesel) who escaped confinement during the crash.
Things couldn’t get any worse could they? You bet they can…
They soon discover that they are not the only inhabitants of the planet, and the neighbours aren’t exactly what you’d call friendly. The creatures only come out at night, light kills them – so at least they’re safe in the daylight hey, but watch out as it’s going to get dark….very dark…in fact Pitch Black!
David Twohy is better known for his screenwriting abilities having written/collaborated in the writing of Warlock, Terminal Velocity, GI Jane, The Fugitive and Waterword. His forays into directing have been pretty shocking, with the pretty terrible The Arrival, worse still The Second Arrival and more recently a rather limp A Perfect Getaway. However do not let that deter you as Pitch Black is a cut above the rest.
Pitch Black is an excellent B-movie style sci-fi thriller, with a storyline and mood very reminiscent of Aliens. The film is loaded with enough entertainment and shockers to keep you jumping throughout and glued to your seat at the same time, if that’s possible?
It is very stylishly shoot with some excellent special effects. We particularly liked the crash landing scene with a suitably techno pumping soundtrack. A relatively unknown cast also put in some great performances, it really was a defining role for Diesel.
The sequel, The Chronicles of Riddick, proves that money isn’t everything as even with a budget of $105M, Pitch Black with its measly $22M is still far superior. However another installment is, supposedly, coming. Let’s hope it is the best yet!
If you’re a sci-fi fan then we think Pitch Black is a MUST for your collection, one that will stand up to many enjoyable repeat viewings.
Rating: 
