XXx: Return of Xander Cage is exactly what the first movie should have been fifteen years ago. It’s an unapologetically stupid and absurd testosterone-fueled action fantasy that earns its keep by providing impressively gonzo stunt work, aggressively silly plotting and a mix of glamorous action stars and esteemed actors clearly having fun in the sandbox. While Xander Cage turns out to be among the least interesting characters in this ensemble spectacular, the colorful and eclectic supporting cast and the creative action beats make this return to the Xander Zone a trip worth taking.
The plot kicks off with a gloriously silly Samuel L. Jackson monologue before moving to a dynamite action sequence, whereby Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa do that thing they do so well which kicks the plot into gear. Ironically, the biggest flaw of this goof-off extravaganza is Vin Diesel himself. While his introductory stunt sequence is spectacular, the film spends too much time reaffirming what a bad-ass, rebellious, “not like the other soldiers” chick magnet Xander Cage remains 15 years after his last adventure.