Deepika shines, but the brainless plot makes this a hollow action ride.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for XXX: Return of Xander Cage is mixed to lukewarm, with most reviewers acknowledging it as passable, undemanding entertainment rather than a quality film. The most consistent praise across reviews is directed at Deepika Padukone's screen presence and the film's action sequences and stunt work. Common criticisms center on a predictable, logic-defying, and confused narrative that requires audiences to entirely switch off their critical faculties. At least one reviewer considered it a waste of Padukone's Hollywood debut potential.
2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 9 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Film review ·
Watch this one for Deepika and Vin if you're fans of the two. The action parts are fine and in good measure. It's a film that's supremely confident of what it is. And that shows. And if you're looking to be entertained, you will be. Just don't tax your brain with the way this film plays out. Trust me, you'll get a headache.
Film review ·
All said and done. XXX : RETURN OF XANDER CAGE may be a celebrated escapism of international standards for the thinking audience but for fans of Deepika and Vin it has enough pleasing moments of pop corn action fun that boosts Deepika's commercial reach as an international star that can kick some butts in the action genre.
Film review ·
A thoroughly enjoyable film! It's a film high on action and stunts. If not for anything else, watch it for Deepika Padukone!
Film review ·
One does not simply walk in to a Vin Diesel movie expecting compelling storytelling and thoughtful cinema, and although 'xXx' exists in an alternate reality where the laws of physics simply don't apply, there are enough crowd-pleasing moments to distract you from a predictable plot and departure from logic. That said, the movie has enough star power to perform well enough, particularly in Asian markets, to ensure yet another insane outing soon.
Film review ·
It is a film borne out of extensive market surveys: in its dismissal of the ideas of nationhood and politics. XXX's latest instalment seems to revitalise the old, seemingly lazy, but sinister excuse: "Relax, it's just a movie!"
Film review ·
'Return of Xander Cage', as the name suggests, returns to stunt-CGI-action to provide it's adrenaline rush. This is basically Diesel's show and he is well aided by the stunt choreography, CGI action and editing speed. But don't go by looks. There's not much energy in the telling here and the confused narrative totally sidelines logic
Film review ·
You have other options in the theatres this weekend; treat yourself to those instead of this. Pity Deepika Padukone couldn't make her Hollywood debut with a more less-forgettable film.
Film review ·
If you are an action junkie and like gun fights, people fighting and everything crashing, you would not want to miss this one. Watch it for Deepika, not because it's her debut and she needs the support but because she has kicked some serious ass in the movie. Specially, watch it for the gun fight where Ruby Rose and Deepika back each other.
Film review ·
As pitches for conquering world markets and disgruntled domestic audiences go, Return of Xander Cage does one better than Gibbons's glib and always successful sales talk.
From our readers
1 rating · user score 5.0
'Return of Xander Cage', as the name suggests, returns to stunt-CGI-action to provide it's adrenaline rush. This is basically Diesel's show and he is well aided by the stunt choreography, CGI action and editing speed. But don't go by looks. There's not much energy in the telling here and the confused narrative totally sidelines logic. The narrative is segmented and even the action is cut and joined together in a million places. So there's no smooth progressive transition happening in the action set-pieces. It is a film borne out of extensive market surveys: in its dismissal of the ideas of nationhood and politics. Very Sad that Deepika Padukone couldn't make an outstanding Hollywood Debut. My Rating 2.5/5
Credits
Vin DieselXander Cage
Donnie YenXiang
Ruby RoseAdele Wolff
Deepika PadukoneSerena Unger
Toni ColletteJane Marke
Samuel L. JacksonNSA Agent Augustus Eugene Gibbons
Rory McCannTennyson "The Torch"
Nina DobrevRebecca "Becky" Clearidge
Tony JaaTalon
Kris WuHarvard "Nicks"
Hermione CorfieldAinsley
Michael BispingHawk
Ariadna GutiérrezGina Roff
Nicky JamLazarus
Al SapienzaCIA Director
D. J. Caruso
Brian Tyler
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