Written by: Rich Wilkes
Starring: Vin Diesel, Asia Argento, Marton Csokas, Samuel L. Jackson, William Hope
Rating: [2.5/5]
Sending the best and brightest of those trained spies who have gone through the rigor amongst a vast candidate pool evidently does not always get the job done when dealing with some specifically evil groups. It becomes something that requires some outside-of-the-box thinking that somehow leads to the idea xXx presents in sending in a criminal to blend in with the bunch in order to make some traction. A silly idea but one that exemplifies what this film wants to present within this somewhat unique film.
Known for his extreme sports and recording crimes against individuals in society he deems unfit, Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) gets captured by the National Security Agency. He receives the opportunity to serve his country by infiltrating a Russian terrorist group that possesses a weapon that could cause untold damage.
It’s harder to get any more extreme than the lead protagonist of xXx where the guy brandishes the 3 Xs on the back of his neck and likes to participate in extreme sports, which we see in his very first appearance. He takes the expensive vehicle of some uncool politician, takes it for a joy ride, and drives off a bridge with it for views making him one of our earliest influencers. Right away we get a taste of why the NSA would want him as an asset and the man presented himself with all of the evidence in the world to be used against him to get him to acquiesce and help fight this terrorist group.
Sending him in puts him somewhat at odds because of his extreme nature in the cool way the man stands firm as anti-establishment but has to work for “the man” to continue to enjoy his freedoms. We even have instances where he speaks with the leader of this terrorist group called Anarchy 99, Yorgi (Marton Csokas) where Cage acknowledges they think in the same way. Their main difference stems from Yorgi’s group wish to release an incredibly dangerous biochemical weapon to the world when Cage would rather just release some extreme prank videos. Quite the difference there which makes it a bit easier for him to fully commit to stopping him and his group.
As an action film, xXx seeks to stand out by having some extreme sports elements play into the high-stress moments, which works for the most part. It certainly brings something different even if it proves difficult to believe this man could just saunter into this group and succeed where others fail simply because he leans towards some anarchy despite very much enjoying the life he has in the United States. The fact Vin Diesel does not do his best acting work here certainly does not help sell this whole experience of Xander Cage existing as the missing ingredient for the NSA to put an end to Anarchy 99, but we must carry on with what the film wants us to experience.
Even with elements that do not work a silliness exists in this film that brings some enjoyment. Certain scenes stick out along with some one-liners that will get a chuckle from the audience. There’s one particular instance where Cage acknowledges a hardship he must take on for his country that just plays out in perhaps an unironic manner. It presents an opportunity for one to interpret for oneself but several instances in this film display this notion this feature does not take itself entirely too seriously. A saving grace considering the main terrorist group at the center of the film identifies themselves as Anarchy 99 for goodness sake. They certainly define why they name themselves this way but it sure elicited a chuckle from me every time they mention it.
Ultimately forgettable as an early 2000s action flick, xXx has moments one can enjoy. It carries a silliness to it that allows for some enjoyment to be had seeing as the plot provided did not necessarily provide much to hold onto. We get some instances of extreme sports and some funny one-liners as sometimes that’s all you need in something to get some entertainment out of it. Not nearly the best Vin Diesel action vehicle of the 2000s but difficult to completely hate.
Films with Josh 
