I was also very disappointed with CoR, and have read since then that it has been unanimously panned as a "vanity" vehicle to allow him to demonstrate how great he/his character is.
I'm afraid his background in playing D&D is quite apparent here, in that the negative side of playing, namely the self-centered "munchkin" concept, takes hold, and people in the throes of it can practically DM and play the game all by themselves, engrossed by just how cool and awesome their own character is. In fact, I knew someone in high school that ran AD&D 2nd Ed. For himself... Somehow... And got his character to 17th level, and had a sword made out of what he described as "Shadakar, the Door of Death", whatever that was.
There is such a thing as suspension of disbelief, but that sort of thing (which I feel Diesel exhibited in his movie) is ridiculous. Although most of the stunts and fight scenes were more or less okay in the movie, my main problem was the plot, and not just the plot in and of itself, but as compared to Pitch Black. I much prefer Pitch Black, which I felt was much more a sci-fi horror movie with action elements, much like Alien, whereas CoR absolutely abandoned that concept in favor of Chuck Norris in space, which I feel absolutely ruined the whole thing. I'm skeptical as to whether he or the new movie directors/producers learned from his mistake and can produce a watchable movie - I only say "watchable" because, let's be honest, who would go to watch a Vin Diesel sci-fi movie, expecting in their wildest dreams it will be "good"?
Let me add a little to this. I think the second time I watched Chronicles of Riddick I liked it more BUT that is only because it made sense after watching the movie of the story: "Pitch Black". I did not see Pitch Black or the animation before seeing "Chronicles of Riddick" so none of it made sense. The review for Pitch Black is here: Source 6 I attached the poster of the movie since Jpatt is such a Vin Diesel fan.
Chronicles of Riddick (Hover)
Yep, that's the guy, thanks JB. Now, see, I'm not saying Vin is a BAD actor, though I can't say I would classify him as good. To me, CoR and other related and similar action and sci-fi movies are his "speed" - although I feel his acting is actually better than Chuck Norris', who actually had his own ton of movies and mainstream multi-season series, Vin's areas of acting when he shines are abrupt - he toggles on and off like a lightswitch. It's either "Hey, I'm acting!" or "*glower*". There seems to be no casual transition or neutral in-between with him, severely limiting his use in any serious cinematic platform. I actually, though, quite liked his "The Pacifier", which honestly, alarmed me, so as I said, I'm skeptical of another Riddick movie, though I do see a deeply buried potential in him - but he just seems to destined to join the ranks of Dolph Lundgren and other such luminaries.
I will watch the new Riddick movie when it comes out, but not in the cinema. Like you his movies and acting do not 'pull' me to watch his movies as they come out.
Vin Diesel Acting Review: Source 1
Also, I did not get the 'uniform' or armor of the invaders, looks so medieval, not something you would expect from supposed superior beings who are supposed to be more aware than those they conquer.
By the way, Discussion on the Underverse: Source 4
Chronicles of Riddick (Hover)