Plot: What’s it about?
Actor Vin Diesel and Director Rob Cohen departed the Fast and Furious series after the first film to make xXx in 2002. Obviously, most of us now know that Diesel did in fact return to the Fast series, but I for one which he and Cohen stayed on board from the start. I was never a fan of xXx, it now seems Diesel is intent on restarting the series again. He sat out the 2005 sequel to xXx, and Ice Cube took over the lead. I sat out that film as well as I was less than eager to suffer through another lackluster action film, much less minus its main attraction, Diesel himself. I quite enjoyed Riddick (another series Diesel tried to reignite), but my fears for this sequel were right all along. Granted this sequel might please fans of the original and maybe the sequel, I was beyond bored with it. I don’t mind Diesel surrounded by other action stars (Fast and Furious films being an example), but solo, he just doesn’t do it for me. Even the presence of Samuel L. Jackson doesn’t help matters here as the film plays out like a video game that you’re watching your friend play. It’s just not as exciting or entertaining as it thinks it is. Let’s talk a little about the film, shall we?
We begin with NSA Agent Augustus Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson) recruiting a football player for the XXX program, but the recruit shows little interest in joining. We then catch up with Xander Cage (Diesel) who faked his own death and living in seclusion in the Dominican Republic. We see CIA Agent Jane Marke (Toni Collette) as she tries to recruit him to help a stolen satellite that’s capable of doing serious damage. Really, that’s just the usual plot device to give us an endless supply of action sequences. Cage is given a team to assist him, but (as often in movies like this), he’d much prefer to use his own crew, so he does. We then follow the team as they try and track down the people responsible for stealing the satellite and recover it. Admittedly, the film delivers what it promises, but I just couldn’t bring myself to care about any of it. I’m all in favor of action films of this sort, but there’s just little here to get excited about. It’s not self-aware enough for us to not take it too seriously, and it doesn’t have the R-rating to really let lose. Instead, we’re left in that uncomfortable middle zone where we’re treated to endless CGI and wisecracks from Cage himself. I’m not buying into it. I didn’t care for him in 2002 and I don’t care for him now in 2017. I hope Diesel puts a rest to this character for good. He’s capable of far better films than this.
Video: How’s it look?
Paramount’s Ultra HD/4K discs aren’t as prevalent as some other studios, so you have to figure that when they release one – it’s got to be good. xXx: Return of Xander Cage might not be a contender for Best Picture, but it knows where its strengths are. The included HEVC transfer was taken from a 2K source and upscaled to 4K (so no, it’s not a true 4K release, like many other titles), but despite that it looks pretty darn good. There’s a noticeable uptick in resolution from the Blu-ray (also included) and the HDR really do bring out some of the best in this image. There’s a scene, humorous as it might be, that takes place on the water (jet ski’s) and it really does showcase the beauty of Thailand – where the film was shot. Blacks are deep and rich, contrast strong and the entire color spectrum is given its time to shine. It’s a gorgeous-looking picture.
Audio: How’s it sound?
It’s nice when a studio does have your back. Both versions of this film, the Blu-ray or 4K version, sport a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. That’s a good thing. You shouldn’t have to pony up extra cash to hear a movie in its best form possible. And it saves a particular reviewer’s time when having to review only one audio track! This movie is all about excitement, adrenaline and how much sound can actually come out of those speakers of yours. Right out of the chute we’re greeted with a dynamic ensemble that’s sure to please. LFE are heavily involved from opening to closing, surrounds pour out the directional effects and the object-based sound really hits some of the right notes here (pun fully intended). It’s a slam bang, no holds barred soundtrack that’s sure to please.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Third Time’s the Charm: Xander Returns – A fairly standard EPK that highlights the franchise, some of the cast and crew and a look at this new film.
- Rebels, Tyrants & Ghosts: The Cast – Essentially a look at the ensemble cast (sporting some oddly high-profile names) and their respective parts in this new installment.
- Opening Pandora’s Box: On Location – A look at some of the shooting locales for the movie.
- I Live for This Sh#t!: Stunts – No, Vin Diesel didn’t do all of his own stunts, but we do get a feel for those that did as some specific scenes are shown.
- Gag Reel – Shenanigans on the set xXx style!
The Bottom Line
Those who enjoyed the original xXx and possibly its “Diesel less” sequel might enjoy this film. All others, however, should steer clear and check out far better films of this sort. Heck, I’d much rather watch a Jason Statham action flick over this one any day. Your mileage may vary, but I can’t recommend this film.
