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Critics Consensus: Despite an interesting premise (and a starmaking turn from Vin Diesel), Pitch Black is too derivative and formulaic to fully recommend to sci-fi or action fans.
Critic Consensus: Despite an interesting premise (and a starmaking turn from Vin Diesel), Pitch Black is too derivative and formulaic to fully recommend to sci-fi or action fans.
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All Critics (109) | Top Critics (29) | Fresh (64) | Rotten (45) | DVD (14)
Pitch Black falters a bit in its last half-hour-the film's darkest moment reduces Diesel to delivering a pithy one-liner-but for the most part, it's terrific.
A smart, suspenseful sci-fi movie from director Twohy, whose underrated 1996 film, The Arrival, also brought visual imagination and intelligence to the genre.
The script is a compendium of science-fiction clichés, familiar in Hollywood movies since the early fifties.
[David Twohy] tweaks this formulaic escape-from-hell story with just enough original touches to give it a lift.
It's not an especially challenging part, but Diesel handles it with aplomb.
Pitch Black is the movie of the season for sci-fi and horror fans!
THIS IS THE BEST SCIENCE FICTION FILM OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM!!!!!!!
David Twohy's film undoubtedly has something interesting about it, and that something can be summarised in two words: Vin Diesel.
But, much like cult pulper Assault On Precinct 13, this supersedes its derivative B-movie roots to emerge as a craftily crafted and stylishly shot outer-spacer.
One of the best films of the year.
Pitch Black is such a stinker that it makes Twohy's previous sci-fi thriller, The Arrival, look halfway decent.
A solid creature feature, but not at all a revelatory one.
David Twohy's mixture of horror and science fiction works wonders in Pitch Black.
A 100 minute story on a barren wasteland of a planet actually turns out quite well for this picture. While not exactly an adrenaline rush, the consistent level of intrigue is enough as this film goes from day to night in a blink of an eye.
The CG is a mixed bag, but ultimately acceptable when all is said and done. The level of violence and blood is somewhat conservative, but enough for an R rating.
The cast of characters is what makes this story go. Riddick is a solid character backed by an excellent casting choice in Vin Diesel. Radha Mitchell and Cole Hauser share the screen well with Mr. Diesel.
Pitch Black does succeed with what it sets out to do, and while it isn't perfect, it is a recommendable watch. "You're not afraid of the dark are you?"
Super Reviewer
Average action film starring Vin Diesel, that being said, I didn't expect much from Pitch Black, but I was pleasantly surprised. Although lacking in effective storytelling, this film boasts enough action to keep you interested from start to finish. The film is good for what it tries to accomplish, but if you're looking for a well structured film with a great story, you'll sadly be disappointed. The plot is decent at best, but it never is anything memorable. The film succeeds at being an action extravaganza and it is a fun and entertaining one at that. Diesel is good in the role, but I'll be honest, he's just not a good actor, but here he's more suited for these types of roles and he manages to have a good on-screen presence here. Pitch Black has its flaws, but is worth seeing if you enjoy mindless action Sci Fi films. The other performances are good, but not great, and the film relies on array of effects to really set the tone of the film. Pitch Black is good, mindless entertainment; however it could have been much better. With a few script rewrites, this film really could have stood, and be a memorable action film. In the end, it falls short of its potential, and never realizes what it should have been. This picture could really have a highly memorable movie, but due to a lacking script, a cast of average actors, it's a movie leaves a lot to be desired. In other words, Pitch Black is a film from a specific audience. I love action films, but I feel that despite its premise, it should have been a much better movie than what we got. As it is, it's mindless popcorn entertainment. Nonetheless despite its imperfections, I liked the film, and I didn't expect to really enjoy it. Vin Diesel fans will surely enjoy this movie, and the action is good despite everything else.
An exhilarating and heart-pounding edge of your seat thriller that's packed with big scares and pulse-racing tension. A tremendously entertaining and fiercely original sci-fi film. Vin Diesel gives a sensational performance, playing an engaging and brilliant character
A delicious Sci Fi suspense/thriller/action flick. Riddick's characterization of badassery really scores a lot of bonus points and the chemistry between him and the various cast members pulls at some humorous moments. The plot isn't quite as predictable as one would expect and the premise makes a pretty original survival. The provocative moral struggles in the end are also something to behold. It's no Aliens 1 or 2 but it's definitely good enough for a watch.
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