Riddick - B-

Rated R, 119 minutes

Diesel is back as gruff "Riddick" and more enjoyable, mindless entertainment

Vin Diesel as Riddick

If there's such a thing as a mindless science-fiction film, then "Riddick" is that film. This is the third outing for Vin Diesel as the title character, following 2000's "Pitch Black" (the best in this series) and 2004's "The Chronicles of Riddick." A flimsy but enjoyable sci-fi action film made on a modest budget to capitalize on Diesel's "Fast and Furious" mega-stardom, it's an entertaining yet overlong sci-fi ride that appeals most to science-fiction enthusiasts. Betrayed by the Necromongers and left for dead on a desolate planet, Riddick (Diesel) fights for survival against alien predators and becomes more powerful and dangerous than ever before. Soon bounty hunters from throughout the galaxy descend on Riddick only to find themselves pawns in his greater scheme for revenge and his quest to return to his home planet. Directed and co-written by David Twohy, who also directed the first two films, "Riddick" is both tense and fun, peppered with some nicely staged action after a sluggish first half hour. While the story goes on too long and reminds too much of other, better films in the genre ("Predator" or "Aliens"), it wisely focuses on the action and Diesel's gruff demeanor, giving him minimal (and somewhat cheesy) dialogue and places him with a CG dingo, who steals most of his scenes. As for the cast, this is Diesel's show, but sci-fi fans should watch for "Battlestar Galactica's" Katee Sackhoff, memorable here in tough-chick form who kicks almost as much booty as our bald hero. With decent special effects, energetic action set pieces and a scowling lead, "Riddick" works best as an action film than the second or third tier science fiction it really is. It's nice post-Labor Day entertainment you don't have to think much about before the heady fall movie season.

Wes's Grade: B-