xXx: Return of Xander Cage: Film Review

Xander Cage is presumed dead by xXx but when a device that can cause satellites to crash is found, and kills one of their own, Cage comes out of hiding to get the device back. But what he finds out may change everything, including what he knows about xXx.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage is actually the third movie in the xXx franchise. The second movie, xXx: State of the Union starred Ice Cube when actor Vin Diesel didn’t return. This time, however. Diesel returns and the action is better than ever. But, the movie still suffers from the same problems most action movies have.

The script is basic, nothing special but that is to be assumed with films like this. They are not meant to be a “deep thinking” movie. People who see movies like this are mostly there for the action so the script tends to suffer. This movie was okay in the script department. It wasn’t bad, I have seen worse, but it honestly could have been a little better. I spent the first 20 minutes trying to figure out what exactly was happening.

This movie also has the trademark beautiful, half-dressed ladies but xXx actually did something a little different. To me, it seemed like the ladies Serena, played by Deepika Padukone, and Adele, Ruby Rose, were the main focus of the action. Yes, Diesel does kick butt and has plenty of scenes but often they focused on Serena. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual “girls are there to look pretty” action movie.

The action though, that was solid. There are lots of explosions and plenty of cool stunts. There is a scene where Cage and his team are blocked by traffic and so are the bad guys. Both teams get out and fight in the traffic, which makes for some very interesting shots, but I could help but wonder why they chose to drive there. They are a government organization. They didn’t have another mode of transportation to take to get to the top floor of a tall building? Maybe I am thinking on it too much.

The acting is nothing too exciting but it isn’t bad either. Diesel is his usual self and the rest of the cast play the roles fine. Nina Dobrev, who plays Becky, wasn’t the greatest. It seemed like she was forcing herself too much to play the giddy but scared of guns xXx weapons and tech guru. If it was toned down a little I think it may have been fine but her character was the worst out of the group.

So, is xXx: Return of Xander Cage worth it? Sure, if this is the kind of movie you love. The action is great and it does keep your attention. Don’t expect much from the acting or script though. It just lacked a little in that department. The stunts were interesting but I’m not sure you can ride a dirt bike over the ocean, go underwater and then get back on to keep riding. That seems too farfetched to me. But hey, this movie wasn’t made for me. It is mom approved though.

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