Below (2002)

Strange happenings occur on a WW II submarine.

And the mystery prevails, although there is some fun to be had in this submarine horror thriller.

On renewed viewing: entertaining, but it is a bit unnerving that there is no full resolve to the ongoings.

Maltin**: "Stultifyingly routine WW2 submarine movie that tries to incorporate elements of a whodunit, horror movie, and conspiracy thriller."

The Arrival (1996)

A radio astronomer, discovers intelligent alien life, but the aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will do anything to stop him from learning it.

Mediocre attempt of combing sci-fi mystery with humour never quite convinces, and Charlie Sheen is obviously miscast in his role as a frenetic scientist.

Halliwell*: "Conspirational science fiction exhibiting some interesting ideas and managing to incorporate them into a sometimes suspenseful story."

Maltin***: "Clever, intelligent sci-fi thriller of the old school, with many bright ideas; suffers from flaccid pacing in the last third but remains fun throughout."

The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)

The wanted criminal Riddick arrives on a planet called Helion Prime, and finds himself up against an invading empire called the Necromongers, an army that plans to convert or kill all humans in the universe.

OK sci-fi saga adding some sword & sorcery fantasy (and more violence) to the Pitch Black universe; nicely made, but otherwise quite mindless entertainment.

Maltin*1/2: "...a densely plotted, overproduced action/sci-fi extravaganza...Laden with a self-serious storyline and enormous computer-generated settings and effects, it sinks under its own weight."

Pitch Black (2000)

A group of marooned space travelers struggle for survival on a seemingly lifeless sun-scorched world.

Above-average sci-fi thriller with some atmospheric visuals.

On renewed viewing: I must admit it's not a masterpiece but a guilty pleasure of mine.

Halliwell (no star): "Essentially a 'B' movie with a few pretensions, this delivers its shocks efficiently enough, but is otherwise in need of a better script and a bigger budget."

Maltin**: "Ambitious, but formulaic sci-fi/horror film...Some exciting scenes and effects, but weighed down by a feeling of deja vu."