Unleaded Attitude Toward Diesel
XXX
Rated:R
Kent's Grade: D
THE PLOT:
Xander "XXX" Cage (Vin Diesel), a fringe dwelling daredevil, has caught the attention of a
desperate National Security Agency (NSA). Having been scouted and accepted, XXX is
forced to infiltrate a radical Slovic terrorist group, Anarchy 99. Lead by ex-Russian soldier,
Yorgi (Marton Csokas), and his cagey girlfriend, Yelena (Asia Argento), XXX easily
infiltrates their ranks. But the deeper he gets into Anarchy 99 the more he realizes he is being
used by both sides as an expendable pawn. As the mission goes awry, XXX becomes the
only person that can save the world from Yorgi's weapon of mass destruction.
KENT'S TAKE:
"XXX" is touted as "A new breed of secret agent." Good description. There's just one
problem. The "breeder" crossed a British secret agent with Deputy Dawg.
Called "XXX" because of the tattoo on his neck, he eXemplifies all that is wrong with the old
secret agents. The new secret agent uses "new fangled" weapons such as guns and
eXplosives, and he drives off-road motorcycles and a Pontiac GTO, state-of-the-art vehicles
indeed! And his interests lean more toward getting some action than actually saving the
world. XXX does differ from the old secret agents in that he doesn't need to use his brains,
his testosterone-laden charm and his "Skater/BMX" attitude will carry him through. Give him
a fast car, a parachute and a cheesy quip and off he goes!
EXpunging all story elements such as characterization, plot and depth, this story is
streamlined to action sequences with fist-pumping techno-rock. Forced to use some dialogue,
it is simply used to set up more action. Even the great soundtrack isn't enough to eXtricate
Diesel from this embarrassing film.
XXX is supposed to be an anti-establishment bad-boy, but once his mission begins, his
attitude and eXuberance eXpires. I must admit Diesel was given very little to work with. It is
obvious that his "star-power" was meant to carry this film, but even an eXceptional actor can
carry a film only so far, and Diesel isn't one of those actors. I guess you can say I'm an
unleaded fan of Diesels. Add to this a villain who strikes fear into our hearts with nothing but
stringy, unwashed hair and you have a protagonist and antagonist that are sure to eXpidite
slumber.
Unfortunately, our new breed of secret agent needs a little work. This film only differs from a
Jeane-Claude Van Damme movie in two ways, Jeane Claude's feet and XXX's tattoos.
© 2002 Webster-Kirkwood Times, Inc.
Movie reviews by Carol Hemphill and Kent Tentschert
reelworld@timesnewspapers.com