There is a war waging in the universe, a group of powerful aliens named the Necromongers are trying to conquer and enslave the known universe before they travel to a new universe one that is supposed to be perfect. You either bow to their power that is weeping through the worlds or you die under their boots. This war is being called the “10th Crusade" and it is all happening in the 26th century. But the captain of the Necromongers the Lord Marshal fears one group of people more than any other and that is the race of Furian’s, because it was prophesized that a Furian would kill and destroy him. But to stop this prophecy he destroyed their entire race missing only one man, Riddick. It has been five years since Riddick escaped prison, and the escaped convict with the ability to see in the dark finds himself caught in the middle of this galactic war between two opposing forces. Helping Riddick is Aereon, the Ambassador of the "Elemental" race, who helps Riddick unearth the secrets of his origin and Kyra, who has grown up since Riddick knew her as a preteen girl whom he saved five years earlier on a planet shroud in darkness. Attempting to free himself and Kyra from a subterranean prison where the day time temperature reaches over 700 degrees, Riddick ends up on board the Necromonger flagship, where he gets his chance to face off against the Lord Marshal in a battle over the future of all beings in the galaxy, both living... and dead.

Pitch Black the predecessor to this movie was more of a horror film than a sci-fi film even though it was billed as one. The movie really had no plot and was just a movie of constant killing of the bugs that threatened to kill them. The Chronicles of Riddick is completely and totally different than Pitch Black as it only really has ties with the previous movie with a few reoccurring characters. And this is for the best, as the sequel is at least a hundred times better than the first movie. There is a story this time, there is a plot and there is still tons of action and suspense that the first movie had as the sequel is a true sci-fi film. I was totally and completely engrossed in the film, and loved how they enriched the character of Riddick to be more than just a one dimensional killing convict with the ability to see in the dark. Riddick is now the reluctant savior and hero of an entire universe that shows us more depth into his ability to kill as well as occasionally care for others around him. The movie will blow you away with its increased special effects and battles. It’s almost like a space opera, as the dueling forces meet in epic battle and the lives hang on the deed of two characters that eventually go toe to toe. This may not seem realistic at times but that is why it is called fiction. I have to admit I was somewhat bored when I saw Pitch Black, but The Chronicles of Riddick blew me away as the movie has a little bit of everything and gives those who love a good sci-fi film and incredible movie.
4 stars out of 5