xXx (2002)

Director: Rob Cohen

Starring: Vin Diesel, Asia Argento, Marton Csokas

An extreme sports athlete, Xander Cage, is recruited by the government on a special mission.

Blend together ‘The Fast and the Furious’, ‘Mission Impossible’ and James Bond, and you get ‘xXx’. While Vin Diesel makes a likable hero, his character is so similar to his Dominic Toretto character from the Fast and the Furious movies that its hard to distinguish them.

Vin Diesel stars as a daredevil stuntman Xander Cage, or Triple X, being recruited as a special agent. There’s action galore and incredible stunts. The photography and visuals are fantastic, and the action sequences amazingly well done. This is a James Bond wannabe, with more action. ‘xXx’ is loud, noisy and vibrant.

The premise might not be all that logical, and what the fancy cars had to do with anything I still don’t understand (apart from making it look like another Fast and the Furious movie…). The humor is just a tad to much, making this more of an action comedy than action thriller like the Bond movies.

If it’s action you’re looking for, ‘xXx’ will satisfy your every need. Don’t expect a clever script or logic, but if you sit back and relax this will make for a thrilling, entertaining watch.

‘xXx’ earned $277.4 million on a $70 million budget, and spawned two sequels. It won several World Stunt Awards.

Would I watch it again? Yes.