Product: xXx [VHS] (2002)
Rating: 4.0
The next James Bond? It'll do...
Make no mistake, 'XXX' is being touted as the next James Bond of the big screen. Even Roger Ebert can see this film sprouting sequels and become the next big film franchise. But since Bond has gotten rather lame in the last few years, perhaps the attitude soaked 'XXX' can fit the bill after all.Right from the beginning, you know that 007 is in danger of a swift execution. When their suavely dressed secret agent get's snipered in the opening scenes of the film, the NSA decide to try something new in the way of their super-agents; trade in their tuxedo wearing wussies for hardcore ex-con extreme-sports playing toughguys. And that's what they get in Xander Cage, played by Vin Diesal. Vin is soon sent to eastern Europe to spy on a leather coat wearing baddie (Marton Csokas) and learns that stopping him could mean saving the world.'XXX' definately delivers in action scenes. Diesals character blows up buildings (and anything else around), jumps out of planes, smashes up cars and shoots guns with the best of them. One stand out scene features the muscled agent snowboarding down a mountain as a theatre-rumbling avalanche follows in pursuit. My seat was actually trembling.Story doesn't deliver anything new, but in a movie like this who really cares. Samuel Jackson is great as always, Asia Argento seriously sizzles onscreen and Marton Csokas definately should get more acting opportunities after this. Vin Diesal, the mucho hyped Schwarzenegger replacement, shines in this role, and does a good job of bringing the character to life. Most of the lines fall completely flat, and the laughs are forced, but with so much going on it doesnt really matter.'XXX' is the great summer action movie of 2002. James Bond has been around for a long time, but it's time to stop tarnishing the luster of the 'Goldfinger's and focus on the new blood. 'XXX' delivers in spades.