Product: xXx [VHS] (2002)
Rating: 3.0
Dumb but not as much fun
Continuing the dumb but "fun" formula started with THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, the hotshot duo of director Rob Cohen and star Vin Diesel have combined their efforts to bring another silly, plot-lite action-fest to the screen. I saw XXX (Or Triple X) in the cinema with my expectations set somewhere between Fast and the Furious and James Bond, and I wasn't that impressed. Ok, don't get me wrong, I like brainless movies. After all, I think CON AIR is fantastic entertainment. But there is a standard rule: If the movie is dumb, then it has to be fun. This is not. Billed as competition for the James Bond franchise, it falls far short of such heights. Lacking both the wit, panache and subtlety of Bond and the fun silly action of Bruckheimer, it's going to have to set it's sights a bit lower. Oh, and what's with Vinny himself? the incredible hunk was good in PITCH BLACK and TFATF, but he looks like he's just sleepwalking through this jumbled mess. I actually give the film 2 1/2 stars but there are some good action set-pieces and Samuel L. Jackson is always cool. XXX is much more satisfying if you just want to watch endless stunts and fall asleep in the talky bits. But if the team of Mr. Cohen and Mr. Deisel are going to continue making movies together, how about letting Mr. Script join in?