Product: xXx [VHS] (2002)
Rating: 5.0
Arnold Plus
I'm a dyed in the wool Arnold fan. I grew up on Superman and Batman the series. I like to see the good guy win, even when common sense has to be suspended to make the story work. For an hour or two, I'm perfectly willing to believe that Arnold can wreak havoc on evil-doers even when he's been shot repeatedly, thrown out of airplanes, clubbed, and exploded. He's Arnold, okay?But not anymore. These days Arnold just can't seem to get the super-hero thing working. It's enough to break my heart.Then along comes Vin Diesel. I've been saved from the hum-drum and reasonable! Sure a shoulder launched missile would have saved him the the effort of outrunning an avalanche on a snowboard, but that has no style. Toss him out of a plane. He wants to try it again, just for the rush. This is the kind of superhero I'll pay to see over and over.I got no kick about Vin Diesel's acting. Maybe it could be better, but even if it was worse, I'd still be back for another dose next weekend. He's got style. He convices you that all the crazy stunts are perfectly in character. The dialog is weak? Who cares? The character is there, larger than life.That's the attraction for me. Vin Diesel comes across larger than life. This has been a lousy year for movies for me. I've been dissapointed, disgusted, and bored to tears. Lord of the Rings missed the point. Star Wars was little more than a retread. Collateral Damage was a bust. Reign of Fire was a pathetic attempt to capture the spirit of Mad Max. I'd given up.Then Vin Diesel comes along and renews my faith that at least once in a while, for a hour or so, Superman can still enforce justice, bash the baddies, and have a rockin' good time doing it.If you want literary depth and cinematic artistry, go with Shakespear. If you want a hero, Vin Diesel is a darn good starting place.