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Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) a.k.a. XXX ("Triple X") is a notorious underground thrill-seeker who has
been deemed untouchable by the law until National Security Agency (NSA) Agent Gibbons (Samuel L. Jakson) recruits him to infiltrate a Russian crime ring as he is the only one
whom Gibbons feels fit for the job.
The reluctant Xander agrees to use his extreme athletic skills and attitude to go undercover in exchange for freedom from execution. XXX penetrates the "Anarchy 99" organization run by Yorgi (Martin Csokas) who holds the deadly "Silent Night" biological weapon, as this villain is afflicted with Biofield Megalomaniac Syndrome. Along the way, Xander hooks up (and gets romantically involved) with Yelena (Asia Argento) who seems to be part of the crime ring at first but eventually turns out to be another undercover. Together, they quest to prevent Yorgi from destroying and conquering the world.
xXx is a James Bond inspired movie cloned and packed in an MTV-like X-Games. While they are trying to give 007 formulae a new outlook,
xXx
turns out to be an anti-thesis of James Bond for it actually lacks a certain level of slick charm and dry wit that Bond movies have established. Vin Diesel may be effective for his commanding screen presence but he could be just another Stallone or Shwarzenegger for he lacks depth and charisma fit for a hero. But then
xXx
remains to be a visual treat as it boasts of elaborate stunts, lavish production design, and outraging visual effects that could make one feel to be part of a larger-than-life Play Station.
Play Stations, MTVs, X-Games and Counter Strike are disturbing enough in shaping today's youth's
morals and values. It is even worse if such genres are adapted in movies for a wider audience. xXx
clearly targets the young viewers for it apparently avoids too much blood and violence (notwithstanding its "cool" packaging) although the plot actually calls for it. But one can never overlook the vulgar language, some nudity and devilish portrayal of hard-core rock music.The title itself may even suggest a level of obscenity though the greatest of which is not in its visuals but in its theme that once again stereotypes the Russians to be evil while making the Americans appear to be savior of the world. While the world is longing for peace and unity, such implicit racist messages would only take these dreams much farther from reality. Although then again, the film still has its usual moral to boot: the good will always triumph against evil and anyone is capable of doing good for the world if given that chance.
(Date reviewed: August 23, 2002)
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