XXX was stupid and ridiculous, full of mediocre acting, gratuitous sex and violence, an explosion every scene. Here's the thing though. Two things actually, number one: it's intended as pure escapism, nothing more, nothing less, and on that it succeeds. Number two: it's James Bond. Bond is also ridiculous escapism, full of mediocre acting, gratuitous sex and violence, and an explosion every scene. Xander Cage is an american James Bond. I know, James Bond is sophisticated and stylish, but that's why I say Cage is an AMERICAN James Bond...british are sophisticated and stylish. Americans are brash, loud, and crude. James Bond represents the british stereotype, Xander Cage represents the american stereotype. How can there be any doubt of this, when one of the most famous Bond scenes (Bond parachuting with a british flag parachute) is almost identically recreated in XXX with Xander Cage parasailing with an american flag parachute? The story could be substituted with James bond at any point and it would be exactly the same. You can't judge a movie like this on the merits of "high art"...the criteria for its success is really a criterion: is it fun? Yes...yes it is. It's pointless, ridiculous, and absolutely sensationalistic, but it's fun. Based on the merits of its criterion, it achieves its goal perfectly. 10/10
Review of xXx
