Trailer of the week

04/09/04

'The Chronicles of Riddick'
In theaters: June 11

Stars: Vin Diesel, Judi Dench

The pitch: Vin Diesel, aliens and the future -- what more do you need?

The details: Seeing as it takes place five years later and on a completely different planet, this sequel to the popular, moderately entertaining sci-fi thriller "Pitch Black" will have to pack a lot of exposition in between the running and shooting. (Rumor has it the sequel to "Lost in Translation" will follow the same format: it'll be called "Really Lost in Translation" and will be set on Pluto, where Bill Murray has gone to find Scarlett Johansson, who's been captured by Plutians. Moving on!)

The first movie was notable for success on a low budget. Its grainy film stock, above-average script and arty direction admirably overcame any deficiencies in the special effects department. From the "Riddick" trailer it looks like writer/director David Twohy (who wrote "Critters 2: The Main Course" -- score!) has a little more spendin' cheese this time: Judi Dench plays, oh, someone old; and there are a lot of people in body armor flying around in spaceships. Body armor and spaceships don't come cheap. Just ask NASA.

The bottom line: It looks like "Dune" without the brains -- which is probably a good thing, actually. -- Nestor Ramos, Special to The Oregonian

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