If you’ve seen any of the trailers forxXx: Return of Xander Cage, you’ll now that it looks…well, ridiculous. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially when it comes to action films. Something likeShoot’Em Up, to me, is so astronomically better - for being upfront about its lunacy and mission of fun - than the usual self-serious, machismo-laden nonsense that cynically makes allusions to serious matters while primarily delivering not-so-exhilarating set pieces, bad jokes, and gunfire ad nauseum.
Still,xXx: Return of Xander Cagealso has the vague look of a vanity project as well, which is an issue with almost everyVin Dieselmovie on record other thanPitch Blackand movies where he does voice work, such asThe Iron GiantandGuardians of the Galaxy. He’s not alone, however, withRuby Rose,Donnie Yen,Samuel L. Jackson,Toni Collette, and a plethora of other performers playing supporting roles in the sequel. And on top of that list of performers we can now addIce Cube, who is the secret star of the latest TV spot for the film, which you may take a look at below.
As far as the big studios go, there are few action movie sequels that are as bad asxXx: State of the Union, in which Cube starred as Darius Stone, the replacement for Diesel’s Xander. It’s cheap, cheesy, devoid of humor, and, worst of all, a total bore, but seeing as most action franchises are looking for nostalgia-trip casting these days, Cube’s appearance does make sense to a degree. That being said, highlighting his role in the movie this close to release - the film hits theaters in a week - has the feeling of a last-ditch attempt to get butts in seats for the opening weekend.
Here’s the latest TV spot forxXx: Return of Xander Cage:
Here’s the official synopsis forxXx: Return of Xander Cage:
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. Packed with the series’ signature deadpan wit and bad-ass attitude, “xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE” will raise the bar on extreme action with some of the most mind-blowing stunts to ever be caught on film.
