'XXX: Return of Xander Cage' Film Review
- Leanne Tattersall
- Jan 20, 2017
- 2 min read
It’s been a long time between stunts for the ‘XXX’ franchise, with the first of the series released in 2002. Xander Cage (Vin Diesel), an extreme sports enthusiast, is recruited from the realm of the possibly dead to help retrieve ‘Pandora’s Box’ – a nasty device that can control military satellites. If you are familiar with the franchise you will know that you are in for over-the-top stunts and the occasional dry one-liner - all delivered in the atypical Hollywood blockbuster style.
The film opens with spymaster Augustus Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson) attempting to recruit real life soccer star Neymar to the XXX cause. A major disaster occurs and spymaster Marke (Toni Collette) calls a meeting with relevant spy handlers. During this meeting she introduces Pandora’s Box, which is promptly appropriated by a crack team of black clad villains apparently led by Xian (Donnie Yen), who executes some impressive martial arts moves reminiscent of Jackie Chan. Marke must now try to decide who can possibly snatch the box back.
Here is where we find Xander making his appearance with a stunning sequence of boarding stunts that result in an unexpected outcome. The rest of the film is an enjoyable romp through intense action, multiple stunts, and sometimes corny dialogue. The movie is played for the action, and often requires the viewer has checked their disbelief at the door. Vin Diesel is supported by a strong cast including Deepika Padukone, Kris Wu, Ruby Rose, and Thai superstar Tony Jaa.
Despite the strong supporting cast, the viewer could be forgiven for expecting more. The character of Marke is seen to be stern, however exhibits little emotion, with dialogue spoken almost in monotone - a less than shining example of Collette’s work. Martial arts action sequences from Yen and Jaa are well choreographed, however they aren’t shown to their best advantage in quick cuts and choppy camera work.
The film draws to a climax with a fast paced action sequence that sees Xander and Xian battling to retrieve Pandora’s Box in the air while the rest of the team attempts to stall from the ground. Loose ends are wrapped in a neat little bow while referencing the previous XXX movies.
The film was directed by DJ Caruso whose other film credits include ‘Disturbia’, ‘I Am Number Four’, and ‘Taking Lives’, and written by F. Scott Frazier, based on the characters created by Rich Wilkes.
‘XXX: Return of Xander Cage’ overall an action film that manages to tie together corny dialogue, crazy stunts, martial arts and gunfire, complete with high speed chases. The movie follows the formula of the previous ‘XXX’ movies but manages to give action fans what they want to see.
Catch ‘XXX: Return of Xander Cage’ in cinemas throughout Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. now!
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