Riddick (2013) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Riddick (2013) is the third installment in the Chronicles of Riddick franchise, directed by David Twohy and starring Vin Diesel as the iconic anti-hero Richard B. Riddick. Following up on the events of Pitch Black (2000) and The Chronicles of Riddick (2004), this film returns to its roots, blending the gritty survival elements of the original film with intense action and a sci-fi thriller atmosphere. In this review, we’ll dive into the plot, character performances, and where to stream or rent Riddick in the United States.
Plot Summary: A Battle for Survival
Riddick picks up where The Chronicles of Riddick left off, with Riddick having taken control of the Necromonger empire. However, after growing weary of power and betrayal from his own people, Riddick finds himself stranded on a desolate, sun-scorched planet. Left for dead, he must rely on his survival instincts and cunning to battle not only the dangerous alien predators that inhabit the planet but also bounty hunters eager to collect the massive price on his head.
In the first half of the film, Riddick must fend off a series of monstrous alien creatures, including giant scorpion-like beasts and deadly packs of alien dogs. This portion of the movie leans heavily into the survival horror elements, reminiscent of Pitch Black. Alone and wounded, Riddick uses his environment to his advantage, showcasing his brutal yet resourceful nature as he fights to stay alive.
The second half of the film shifts gears when two separate groups of mercenaries arrive on the planet, each hoping to capture Riddick. The first group, led by the no-nonsense Santana (Jordi Mollà), consists of violent, ruthless bounty hunters. The second group, led by the more disciplined Boss Johns (Matt Nable), has a personal connection to Riddick, as Boss Johns is the father of William J. Johns, a character from Pitch Black.
The rest of the film sees Riddick outsmarting and hunting the mercenaries, turning the tables on them in his typical ruthless style. As a deadly storm approaches, the mercenaries are forced to work with Riddick to escape the planet, setting the stage for an explosive, action-packed finale.
Vin Diesel’s Iconic Role
Vin Diesel, once again, fully embodies the character of Riddick with his gruff voice, imposing physicality, and undeniable screen presence. Diesel’s portrayal of Riddick is one of the most iconic roles of his career, and in this film, he continues to deliver a character who is both brutal and enigmatic. Riddick’s quiet confidence and brutal efficiency make him a character that audiences can root for, despite his morally ambiguous nature.
What makes Riddick compelling is his anti-hero status. He’s not a traditional good guy; instead, he’s a survivor, often motivated by self-interest rather than a desire to save others. However, Diesel brings depth to the character, making him more than just a killing machine. His moments of introspection and personal struggle add layers to the otherwise action-heavy narrative.
Supporting Cast and Performances
The supporting cast in Riddick adds both tension and depth to the story, though some characters feel more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out individuals.
- Jordi Mollà as Santana provides the villainous bounty hunter with a sadistic edge, though his over-the-top performance occasionally verges on caricature. His dynamic with Riddick drives much of the tension in the second half of the film, as Santana’s arrogance leads to some intense, though predictable, confrontations.
- Matt Nable as Boss Johns brings a sense of honor and discipline to the film. His character’s connection to the events of Pitch Black adds some emotional weight to the story, as he seeks answers about his son’s death. Nable’s performance, though understated, provides a nice contrast to the more chaotic elements of the film.
- Katee Sackhoff as Dahl, a tough and capable mercenary, adds a refreshing touch of female representation in an otherwise male-dominated cast. Sackhoff’s character holds her own in a world of ruthless killers, and her interactions with Riddick provide some of the film’s more interesting character moments.
Action and Visual Effects
Riddick is packed with intense action sequences that range from hand-to-hand combat to high-tech shootouts. The film’s choreography is brutal, emphasizing Riddick’s strength and speed as he systematically takes down mercenaries and aliens alike. The survival horror elements in the first half of the movie also stand out, as Riddick fights against monstrous alien creatures in tense, atmospheric scenes.
The special effects in Riddick are a mixed bag. While the alien creatures are well-designed and the desolate landscape of the planet is visually striking, some CGI elements, particularly in the faster-paced action scenes, feel slightly dated. Despite this, the film does a good job of creating a hostile and unforgiving environment that adds to the tension of the story.
The cinematography by David Eggby captures the harsh beauty of the planet’s barren landscapes, using a muted color palette to emphasize the desolation and isolation that Riddick faces. The contrast between the planet’s blazing daylight and the stormy, dark nights helps to set the tone for the more suspenseful and action-heavy moments.
Themes of Survival and Redemption
At its core, Riddick is a story of survival and redemption. Riddick, who begins the film as a man abandoned by those he trusted, must fight to reclaim his place in the universe. The theme of isolation is prevalent throughout the film, as Riddick is often depicted as a lone wolf, operating on the fringes of society and relying solely on his wits and strength.
There’s also an underlying theme of trust and betrayal that runs through the story. Riddick’s interactions with the mercenaries, particularly Boss Johns, force him to confront his past and his role in the death of Johns’ son. This adds a layer of emotional complexity to Riddick’s otherwise hardened demeanor, though the film doesn’t explore these themes as deeply as it could have.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
Riddick received mixed reviews upon its release. While some praised the film for returning to the gritty, stripped-down style of Pitch Black, others criticized its thin plot and lack of character development. Fans of the franchise appreciated the focus on action and survival, but general audiences and critics found the film somewhat repetitive, with a narrative that relied heavily on familiar tropes.
Nevertheless, Riddick is a satisfying entry for those who enjoy the character’s world and Diesel’s portrayal of the anti-hero. The film’s blend of action, suspense, and sci-fi elements makes it a solid watch for fans of the genre, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of the original Pitch Black.
Streaming Services: Where to Watch Riddick Online
As of 2024, Riddick (2013) is available to stream on various platforms, as well as for rental and purchase in the U.S.
Streaming Platforms
- Peacock
- Riddick is available to stream on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service. Subscribers can watch the film in HD as part of their subscription plan.
- Amazon Prime Video
- The movie is also available to stream on Amazon Prime Video for subscribers. Amazon often offers both HD and SD viewing options, with the ability to download for offline viewing.
- Hulu (with Starz add-on)
- Riddick can be streamed via the Starz add-on for Hulu subscribers. This gives viewers access to Starz’s full library, including Riddick.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video
- If you don’t have an Amazon Prime subscription, Riddick is available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Renting gives you 30 days to start watching, and 48 hours to finish once you begin.
- Apple iTunes
- Apple users can rent or purchase Riddick through iTunes, which allows streaming or downloading the movie to watch on iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV.
- Google Play Movies & TV
- For Android users, Riddick is available for rental or purchase on Google Play. This service offers SD and HD options and allows viewing on mobile devices or casting to a larger screen.
- Vudu
- Vudu provides both rental and purchase options for Riddick in SD, HD, and UHD formats. Vudu frequently offers discounts, making it a budget-friendly option.
Conclusion: A Return to Riddick’s Gritty Roots
Riddick (2013) offers fans of the franchise a return to the gritty, survival-based storytelling that made Pitch Black a cult hit. While the film’s plot and character development are somewhat thin, the action and suspense are more than enough to keep viewers engaged. Vin Diesel’s portrayal of the iconic anti-hero remains the film’s strongest asset, and the return to the desolate landscapes and hostile creatures makes this a worthy addition to the Riddick series.
For those looking for a sci-fi action thriller with a tough, resourceful protagonist, Riddick is a solid choice. Whether you’re streaming on Peacock or renting on Amazon Prime, the film is widely available for fans of the character and the genre.
