Common Sense Media Review
Predictable action movie has explosions, violence, sexism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
XXX
What's the Story?
Always on the verge of being arrested for his over-the-top stunts, extreme sportsman Xander Cage (Vin Diesel), or "XXX," turns spy when Agent Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson) offers him the chance to work for the U.S. government instead of going to jail. The CIA assigns Xander to a case involving a group in Prague that seems to be involved in more than the usual nastiness of drugs, stolen cars, and very loud music. Xander incorporates every extreme sport into his efforts to stop the Russian villain from sending out a lethal biological agent to random cities.
Is It Any Good?
If you're looking for a movie with a thoughtful plot or deep characters, you'll be sorely disappointed. But Rob Cohen's XXX isn't about that -- it's about gadgets, explosions, and male fantasy. Showy stunts recall the director's previous film, The Fast and the Furious, with memorable moments including a snowboard race with an avalanche that would rival that of Scrat's at the beginning of Ice Age. It's too bad that the head villain pales in comparison. He's just a generic Russian with a love of vodka, an evil plan, a big mouth, and a girlfriend who's good for him. But XXX is clearly designed to be popcorn fluff, and to that end, Diesel is just the man for the part, delivering the lines and action with attitude to spare.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different definitions of "freedom" in XXX. How does the meaning change when Yorgi, Xander, or Gibbons use the term? What is your own definition?
How are women portrayed in this movie? Is it positive or negative that Yelena is "smarter" than other women, as observed by Xander?
How is this movie typical of the action genre? Are there any areas where it deviates or stands out from the crowd?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 9, 2002
- On DVD or streaming : May 13, 2003
- Cast : Eve , Samuel L. Jackson , Vin Diesel
- Director : Rob Cohen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 124 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, language, drug use, and sexual situations
- Last updated : April 27, 2026
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