xXx: The Return of Xander Cage review

The plot

The third explosive chapter of the blockbuster franchise that redefined the spy thriller finds extreme athlete turned government operative Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) coming out of self-imposed exile and on a collision course with deadly alpha warrior Xiang and his team in a race to recover a sinister and seemingly unstoppable weapon known as Pandora’s Box.

Recruiting an all-new group of thrill-seeking cohorts, Xander finds himself enmeshed in a deadly conspiracy that points to collusion at the highest levels of world governments.

The good

All the action sequences. It’s amazing, unreal and will make you wish you could do it too. Very well thought out stunts but bare in mind it’s all not real ok.

Donnie Yen for me was the brightest spark of the film. A huge name in Asia and a powerhouse in this Hollywood film. He’s not just there as the “token Asian”, he’s got a big role, in fact at the end credits, his name is second to Vin Diesel.

There’s also a sense of building upon each act or upping the level every 20 minutes of the film so the movie doesn’t become dull or end in a let down.

The bad

It does seem a little like Fast & Furious in terms of unreal action which can turn some people off. Fortunately there is a quick fix for such things……….LEAVE YOUR BRAIN AT THE DOOR!!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Watch out of a surprise apprentice in the final act of the film.

xXx: The Return of Xander Cage opens in cinemas 19 Jan

Images courtesy of United International Pictures Singapore

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