Verdict
Summary
xXx is pretty forgettable fare with a rotten script but it does have some great action scenes and Vin Diesel is likable enough in it. There have been rumours of a third xXx movie for a while but after the even lamer 2nd movie then maybe it’s best to leave well alone and stick to Riddick.
Plot: Xander Cage is an extreme sports athlete recruited by the government on a special mission.
Review: You can imagine the fun I had looking for this movie title online… ahem. Anyway xXx was meant to make Vin Diesel the next generation’s James Bond; it wasn’t but it does have a few entertaining action scenes, despite a truly appalling script.
Vin Diesel is cool and likable in the role of Xander Cage and Asia Argento is good as the tough as nails Yelena; you’ve also got the bonus of Samuel L. Jackson as the hilariously named Agent Augustus Eugene Gibbons.
Marton Csokas is on villain duties with a hilarious, destroy the world plan, which is pure old-school Bond (back when it was good). There’s also the bonus of Danny Trejo who classes up any movie he is in.
It’s certainly not boring and it’s very well paced; the best action scene is when xXx is on a motorbike where he rescues an injured comrade. The action/’splosions are fantastic and it isn’t CGI either, so it looks awesome.
The score by Randy Edelman has a great theme tune which will stick in your head; it kicks plenty of ass during the action scenes too.
There is no saving the terrible, terrible dialogue though, which was if it was written by a 12 year old.
Overall, xXx is pretty forgettable fare with a rotten script but it does have some great action scenes and Vin Diesel is likable enough in it. There have been rumours of a third xXx movie for a while but after the even lamer 2nd movie then maybe it’s best to leave well alone and stick to Riddick.
