Synopsis
The third movie of the franchise, XXX: Return of Xander Cage, released in 2017 is directed by D. J. Caruso. The movie is a sequel to the 2002 XXX movie and the XXX series. This action film marks the return of Vin Diesel as Xander Cage who acts as a governement exterm sports athlete-turned spy after death in the previous movie. The film continues the pattern set by the predecessors and includes breathtaking stunts, high violence fights throughout, and overwhelming amouts of acts from people of other countries.
The plot of the movie focuses on the theft of a greatly skilled operatives led by Xiang a character played by Donnie Yen. He along with his team including Serena (Deepika Padukone), Talon (Tony Jaa), and Hawk (Michael Bisping) effortlessly take control and steal a government satalite controlling weapon known as Pandora’s box.
After analyzing the situation, NSA Agent Jane Marke (Toni Collette) comes to the conclusion that only Xander Cage can retrieve Pandora’s Box and neutralize the lethal operatives within it. Years ago, Cage faked his death and has lived off the radar ever since, until it seems a new development is set to drag him back into the field. It’s not patriotism that drives Cage, rather, vengeance for the death of his former handler, Augustus Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson), whom he has been led to believe was killed in a satellite crash.
Cage handpicks a new team of loose cannons which includes sniper Adele Wolff (Ruby Rose), wheel woman Tennyson Torch (Rory McCann), and DJ turned tech specialist Nicks (Kris Wu). Unlike Xiang’s team, Xander’s bunch embraces charm and clever solutions to get their mission accomplished. During the run of the film, it becomes apparent that Xiang and his team aren’t the film’s real antagonists—they were actually trying to stop Pandora’s Box from being used for malicious purposes.
In the end, Xander and Xiang come together in a coalition of sorts after they realize the danger is inside the NSA. Marke, who aims for power, seeks to manipulate the device for herself. This triggers a climax involving sky battles, gunfights, fighting at close quarters, stunt action, xsports, and astonishing feats like Xander dirt biking over the ocean.
In the closing scenes, the world is saved- again, restoring the XXX program on his terms paired with his rogue-agent bravado recaptured. The final scene is a tribute to Augustus Gibbons who, in a shocking twist, appears alive, hinting at the ventures of the Xander.
Cast and Characters
The role of Xander Cage is played by Vin Diesel. Debate welcoming the American actor back into the Xbox with open arms. His portrayal of franchise character was to be diesel powered. Unruly and tortured heroes will always remain the staple of the actor’s roles.
The role of Xiang is played by Donnie Yen. Arguably, one of the most iconic japanese martial artists. He will bring toughness, accuracy and style to the character. The former soldier turned rogue agent dominates preliminaries and transforms into the sought after sidekick.
Deepika Padukone as Serena: The Bollywood star makes her entrance into Hollywood through the role of a strong and intelligent leader who goes against authoritarian rule. Her chemistry with Xander adds an emotional and tactical layer to the film.
As Jane Marke, Toni Collette: The high ranking NSA officer with ulterior motives. Collette gives a brilliantly sharp and demanding performance, providing a grounded balance to the film’s action-dominated narrative.
Adele Wolff is portrayed by Ruby Rose: A deadpan sniper who has an attitude of punk rock. Rose accounts for the energy and coolness associated with the character, and instantly becomes a fan favorite.
Alongside is the colorful cast of supporting actors which includes Nina Dobrev, Tony Jaa, Michael Bisping, Kris Wu and Rory McCann who all uniquely contribute to the film as a body of charm and skill.
Dobrev portrays Becky Clearidge, a character who is a blend of quirky and nerdy with a soft spot for Xander. Her interactions provide the intended light-heartedness amidst all the chaos of the plot.
Direction and Style
The identity of the film being over dramatic is something the Director D. J. Caruso wanted to embrace and he did so confidently. There is little to no focus on monotonous plots as the entire film is extremely fast paced leaving no time for the audience to overthink and get lost in the gaping plot holes the film contains. Energy and effort are clearly directed to highly intense kinetic visuals and action-filled sequences.
The most remarkable part of the movie is its action scenes, which are marked with exaggerated stunts that mix motorcross skiing with a plane mid-flight. Caruso uses international settings with dynamic camera movements and slow-motion effects in order to make the film more interesting to look at.
Themes and Tone
“Popcorn-movie” is the best shorthand to describe XXX: Return of Xander Cage since it lacks deep philosophical consideration, unlike other movies. Although the film appears chaotic, there are some underlying messages of loyalty, freedom from authority, and the strength that comes from working together. The film promotes individuality and defiance because Xander goes against the norm and accrues powers in the exact opposite way that rules dictate; by skill and heart.
The tone is light, tongue-in-cheek, and irreverent. Characters exchange witticisms mid-shooting, and the film is self-deprecating towards its absurdity. It’s a movie that acknowledges what it is and does not attempt to masquerade as something different.
Reception
The movie was a mixed bag among critics. The more international appeal and energetic action were praised, but the plot and dialogue also received heavy scrutiny. Fans of the franchise and casual action movie lovers, however, appreciated the film for what it was: an uncomplicated thrill ride.
The film was particularly well-received in international markets, especially with audiences in China. The global reception was helped with the presence of renowned actors such as Donnie Yen and Kris Wu. With XXX: Return of Xander Cage’s global box office revenue exceeding $345 million, compared to its rough $85 million budget, the franchise’s commercial potential was confirmed.
Conclusion
With its over the top stunts, absurd plot, and outrageous spending, XXX: Return of Xander Cage is arguably the most entertaining action movie of its franchise, if not one of the most entertaining action movies to date. The film is accurately described as a “dumb fun” endeavor, literally designed to be as enjoyable and attention-grabbing as possible with no deeper message beyond “Enjoy this violence.” A highlight of the film is the diverse explosion of cultures represented in the cast that Vin Diesel has to lead, where every second promises stunts synonymous with the franchise.
In this case, the lack of nuance might be disheartening for some viewers expecting emotional substance, but instead tangible chaos delivered by a star-studded cast in overpriced cgi and jaw-dropping action provides exactly that. Return of Xander Cage gives audiences what can only be described as ‘fun.’ The franchise’s colorful explosion becomes an embodiment of diversity, friendship, and even anarchy—all wrapped up with a cheeky grin. Which, in that regard, is exactly what the series aims to deliver.
Watch free movies on Fmovies