Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- propulsive
- irreverent
- self-aware
- action movie night
- weekend blockbuster viewing
What critics said
Critics found the film energetic and self-aware, with Vin Diesel's charisma carrying its action spectacle despite a choppy screenplay and missed opportunity to refresh the spy genre.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
NSA Agent Gibbons coerces thrill seeker Xander Cage into an undercover mission because conventional agents have failed.
Xander infiltrates the criminal ring through his adrenaline-junkie reputation, athletic prowess, and stunt-driven attitude.
The infiltration takes place within Yorgi's Russian crime organization in Prague, mixing criminal wealth with international threat.
The film emphasizes Xander's attitude and an endearing lack of seriousness while staging exaggerated action spectacle.
Films like xXx, and why
Mission: Impossible II
high-energy spy action, charismatic rule-breaking protagonist, international criminal conspiracy, and irreverent tone
The World Is Not Enough
stylized espionage spectacle, globe-trotting missions, gadget-driven action, and playful machismo
The Transporter
over-the-top action set pieces, wisecracking attitude, and a reluctant operative battling a dangerous mastermind
Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams
teen-targeted spy adventure, international stakes, comic self-awareness, and kinetic set pieces
Movie Details
- Director
- Rob Cohen
- Release Date
- 2002-08-09
- Runtime
- 124 min
- Rating
- 6.0 / 10 (5043)
Cast
- Vin Diesel
- Asia Argento
- Marton Csokas
- Samuel L. Jackson
- Michael Roof
- Richy Müller
- Werner Daehn
- Petr Jákl
- Jan Filipenský
- Tom Everett
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads, Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is xXx about?
- A rebellious extreme-sports celebrity is coerced into becoming an unlikely NSA infiltrator against a ruthless Russian crime ring threatening Prague.
- What is xXx like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of xXx as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is xXx violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in xXx as moderate.
- What did critics think of xXx?
- Critics found the film energetic and self-aware, with Vin Diesel's charisma carrying its action spectacle despite a choppy screenplay and missed opportunity to refresh the spy genre.
- Which films are like xXx?
- Films with a similar feel include Mission: Impossible II, The World Is Not Enough, The Transporter, and Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams.
- How long is xXx?
- xXx runs 124 minutes.
- Where can I watch xXx?
- In United States, xXx streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads, Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel.
