goolizap
Has action changed all that much since 2002? Because action in movies has. Back before about 10 years ago, characters were much less jokey, things blew up a lot more, and bad guys had terrible aim.While dated as can be, xXx is an enjoyable watch. The film's inspiration is questionable, but Vin Diesel plays the title role exactly how you'd expect him to. There is no shortage of platitudinous quips, but he delivers them in a way that makes you forget that the dialogue is terribly written.Diesel plays Xander Cage, aka Triple X, a criminal stunt man hired by the US government to infiltrate the international mercenary group, Anarchy 99. There's not a whole lot more to it than that, yet the film seems to be able to stretch itself to nearly 120 minutes (132 in the director's cut).xXx is so 2002 that, at times, you can't differentiate it from a early 2000s Disney Channel Original Movie. It sacrifices practicality for spectacle whenever it gets the chance. But considering its action-based modus operandi, the film still tends to drag at times.Ultimately xXx does nothing new. At all. The only reason why anyone would watch this film is to experience Vin Diesel's charisma and charm. Because that's really the only unique aspect brought to the otherwise trite premise.But it's entertaining. Mindless, but entertaining. Despite the hackneyed script, you have to commend the movie for not taking itself too seriously, ultimately not making it a chore to watch. It's actually quite fun and ridiculous in all its glory.Twizard Rating: 72
adonis98-743-186503
An extreme sports athlete, Xander Cage, is recruited by the government on a special mission. With XXX: Return of Xander Cage coming out in Theaters this Friday i decided to re-watch the first 2 films and review them so let's start with XXX the Original film starring Vin Diesel that came out in 2002 and it's a spy action film with lots of suspense and some pretty cool stunt work and although the movie can get a bit cheesy at times with things that make no sense just remember that this was the case all along. The acting is good for a film of this kind and Marton Csokas makes a really good villain as for Samuel L. Jackson he is great as always, the action sequences were handled very well and they were thrilling from start to finish and the film in the end succeeds on what it tries to do which is to entertain it's viewers with non stop action and one liners plus the soundtrack was pretty cool too (A+)
Python Hyena
XXX (2002): Dir: Rob Cohen / Cast: Vin Diesel, Asia Argento, Samuel L. Jackson, Eve, Danny Trejo: Vin Diesel has three X's tattooed on the back of his neck as if he could actually read them back there. He is a daredevil stunt person of impressionable ability who commits illegal acts. Once caught he is visited by Samuel L. Jackson who is scarred on one side of his face. Why this information is needed is beyond me but Diesel is sent on a mission in return for a pardon. Lame plot consists of numerous action scenes to place violence throughout as much of the film as possible. Directed by Rob Cohen who previously directed Diesel in the equally stupid The Fast and the Furious. The production is fine but that is about as far as compliments go with this sh*t. Diesel is typecast as this implausible hero who makes narrow escapes and kicks the crap out of everyone. Asia Argento is lifeless as his potential sidekick and romantic interest who can also kick the crap out of everyone. Jackson is perhaps the most laughable appearing with that stupid scar on his face. Eve also makes an appearance although it can be assured that it will likely do nothing to further her acting career. Action and violence at its most over the top render this one of the stupidest action films of the year. The only purpose this film serves is to reveal that filmmakers have too much money to waste. It should be met with a big black X. Score: 2 / 10
SnoopyStyle
Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) is an adrenaline junkie and exhibitionist with an attitude. He causes chaos for the sake of his underground agenda. NSA Agent Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson) arrests Xander and recruits him to infiltrate the organization of gangster Yorgi (Marton Csokas). He has the background and the attitude to fit in and best of all, he's expendable. Yelena (Asia Argento) is Yorgi's girl assistant. The action is from an inferior Bond movie. The story is convoluted. This is basically paying homage to Bond. At least lots of things blow up. Vin Diesel does have the charisma even if his acting is strictly functional. He shows that he could be a good action hero. He just needs to find the right franchise. This is flashy without the right substance. That seems to be the trademark of director Rob Cohen. There is too much stupidity going on. I don't really like the eurotrash motif. However there are just enough good stuff here to see this as escapist fun.
AD
