Retro Review: The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)

I'm not sure if 2004 can count as retro, but fuck it. I'm saying it does.

Why? Because I recently revisited the much maligned Chronicles of Riddick, and I have a few things to say.

The movie underperformed at the box office, and was criticized for taking the small-scale world Vin Diesel and director David Twohy created in Pitch Black, and opening it way the fuck up, creating a whole universe and mythology.

I'm still not sure how that's a bad thing as, rewatching the film, that's something I appreciated about it more now then when first watched it. The Riddick universe is a big, fun, crazy thing complete with prison planets, undead fascist aliens, and many other strange beings. It reminds me of the role-playing games I played as a kid, only brought to life in a $100-million budgeted flick.

Fun fact: Diesel loves RPG games. It definitely shows here.

Riddick is also a great character. I think of him as a Mad Max type; he's not the focal point of the film, just the through note. And he's a total bad ass, which is seriously lacking in movies these days. I sincerely hope they make a fourth film.

The one flaw with Chronicles of Riddick? The special effects. This is a CGI-heavy movie, and the CGI is seriously dated. A Marvel/Star Wars production this is not.

Still, if you haven't given Chronicles of Riddick a watch lately, do so. It's better than you remember it being. A Good!

Comments

Justin Cider welcomes a Homewrecker to the Fanily

COVID-19 has impacted pretty much everything and, although some industries have slowly been able to get rolling again, sport is one that remains in limbo. This holds true for the world of Thrash Wrestling, which we in The Basement are a proud sponsor of. But the men and woman of Thrash Wrestling continue to challenge each other, and entertain fans, in a creative way. Which is why Jason and Shawn welcome Thrash Wrestler Justin Cider into the ring... err, Basement, when From The Basements takes over the Radio NL 610 AM airwaves at 6:05 tonight! Cider will update listeners on how Thrash Wrestling continues with social distancing in place. And he'll shed some light on the future of the sport, how people can support his Fanily, and more! And stick with us, as Justin joins The Basement Boys for a review of the new horror/comedy Homewrecker starring Alex Essoe and Precious Chong. Does this female-focused comedic thriller deliver the goods? Tune in after the 6 o'clock news ...

Top 5 quotes from the Rambo franchise

It's Rambo Day, which means it's a day we celebrate all things Rambo. And no, we didn't make that up. It's a real thing, and part of the lead in to Rambo: Last Blood coming out on Friday. We were going to celebrate by doing a Top 5 favourite Rambo kills, but the fine folks at Arrow in the Head already did something like that, so I figured why not share our favourite Rambo quotes. I like quotes. Quotes are good. Anyway, here we go with our Top 5, in no particular order: 5) "They drew first blood." - John Rambo, First Blood (1982) Because it's always cool when the hero references the title of the movie in a quote. 4) "Live for nothing, or die for something. Your call." - John Rambo, Rambo (2008) Because it's 100-per-cent truth, and is the exclamation mark on a great monologue by Stallone. 3) "I could have killed 'em all. I could kill you. In town, you're the law. Out here, it's me. Don't push it, or I'l...

Grace Victoria Patterson returns

What's this? Two podcasts From The Basement in less than nine months? Has the world gone mad!?! No, but when past Basement guest Grace Victoria Patterson asked nicely if she could return to this fine podcast, Jason and Shawn -- agreeable sorts that they are -- said yes. Hence we have this new episode for your ear holes! Grace provides an update on her career, which has seen the cheerleader-turned-actress appear in no fewer than eight films plus a TV series, with more projects on the way. She and Jason talk all about this, plus some other stuff. What kind of stuff? Stick with us! And stay tuned, as The Basement Boys discuss a whole slew of movies and television, including the Netflix Jimmy Savile documentary, The Batman, the horror romp The Cellar and more! It's podcasting that's so awesome, you'll be awesomed out by its awesomeness! What are you waiting for? Push play and enjoy!

Search This Blog