I agree with your assessment of the Riddick films--the first was a very competent creature feature, with some novel ideas. The second was embarrassing, but Diesel soldiered on gamely as best he could with the material given to him. I'm looking forward to the third.

I think Diesel is wasted on action-type flicks; did you catch him in "Find Me Guilty" (with Peter Dinklage of "Game of Thrones" fame)? Vin can actually act! And Dinklage was terrific in a supporting role. I've also seen Diesel in a couple of interviews, and he comes across as a really nice guy, with a good head on his shoulders. I hope this new film showcases that aspect of the man, so he can get out of the street racing game for good.

BTW, that second film we didn't care for did have one good thing going for it, some very interesting art direction. It reminded me a lot of Moebius, the French sci-fi artist whose work used to appear on Heavy Metal (Metal Hurlant)magazine. Does anyone remember that rag? There was some good graphic art in it. Diesel's character reminded me of a recurring character, "Heilman", that used to appear in HM.