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Reviews
xXx (2002)
Hell, I quite liked it
All I really wanted when I sat down to watch xXx was an action flick with some sex chucked in, and the odd cool technical thing. Leaving my judgement and values at the door, I waded right into the thick of the strangely harmless gunfire, unlikely situations and ho-hum dialogue, and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I don't care whether Vin Diesel can act or not - and he can, in my opinion - I think he's gorgeous, and he certainly has the physical presence to fill this role with the requisite amount of aplomb. He might be a thug, but he's a thug with a soft voice, bright eyes, and big muscles - and he's perfect as Xander Cage. Candy for the brain, candy for the eyes - that's what xXx is, and I like candy once in a while.
Demonlover (2002)
Two hours too long
This is one of the most frustrating, dull films I've ever seen. I almost wish I'd followed the lead of one strong soul who walked out of the cinema during it. However I sat through the whole thing, and now know that interesting subject matter, a gorgeous cast, and a slick production, do not a good film make. The plot seems designed simply to place the sullen lead female character, Diane, in a position where she can be sexually exploited by the dastardly Demonlover.com. The dialogue is oversubtle to the point of obscurity, and I never started to relate to ANY of the characters. It seems to be trying to pay homage to a swag of genres - but all it does is create a big, boring mess. The music by Sonic Youth is great, but no soundtrack on earth could redeem this one.