By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Diesel refuels high-octane 'xXx' franchise
Whats in with Justin
XXX Return of Xander Cage
Vin Diesel returns as Xander Cage in "xXx: Return of Zander." - photo by Studio photo

In 2002, Vin Diesel was riding high after the success of "The Fast and the Furious." Then he made xXx, a James Bond-esque action thriller with an extreme twist.

In 2005, he was MIA for the sequel and the role went to Ice Cube in a highly forgettable performance. Now, 12 years later, Diesel returns to form in this ridiculous, absurdly preposterous three-quel. Does that sound like I’m complaining? No, I’m smirking with admiration.

Diesel is again back as Xander Cage still doing his extreme stunts halfway around the world in Brazil after living a life of seclusion away from the world of international espionage.

He’s called back into action when his old agent friend Gibbons (played by Samuel L. Jackson) needs him and his new cohort (Toni Collette).

His mission is stopping a group of powerful criminals who have a deadly weapon in their possession named Pandora’s Box.

The leader of the bad-guy group (Donnie Yen) is capable of martial arts that would make Jackie Chan green with envy. Xander recruits a series of like-minded extreme enthusiasts and it becomes a worldwide chase.

As per usual with an xXx, we get wall-to-wall action, including an opening sequence in Brazil that has Xander skating down from the top of a tall tower doing insane maneuvering all to help the locals get satellite power so they can watch the latest soccer match. It’s really goofy fun to watch.

The action sequences are explosively outrageous and the one-liners are suited to make up Diesel’s dialogue since they are all his character needs. There is one hugely unexpected surprise and it does hint at more adventures for xXx and company in the future.

It’s loud and overblown, but you know what? Unlike a lot of other action films, it acknowledges what it is and doesn’t try to be anything else.

Grade: B+

Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of gunplay and violent action, and for sexual material and language.

Hall is a syndicated columnist in South Georgia.

Sign up for our E-Newsletters