\xXx: State of the Union,"" like its predecessor, is nothing more than glorified eye candy.
""State of the Union,"" is the sequel to 2002's ""xXx,"" a film which rode the tagline of Vin Diesel as ""a new breed of secret agent."" This really amounted to James Bond on 25 cans of Mountain Dew-fighting crime in an ""extreme"" fashion.
""State of the Union"" continues this trend of rebellious secret agents with a few new twists. The sequel features a new mission in a new country with a new xXx. Agent Augustus Gibbons, again played by Samuel L. Jackson, is forced to find a new xXx agent when all the members of his unit are mysteriously killed off. Gibbons recruits old army comrade Darius Stone, played by Ice Cube, to help him solve what happened to Gibbon's old crew and become the new xXx.
The two soon discover the problem goes all the way to the White House and must fight Defense Secretary George Deckert, played by Willem Dafoe, in order to save the lives of Americans and the president, played by Peter Strauss.
The plot is surprisingly strong, and keeps viewers guessing where the chase will take xXx, and who is in cahoots with Deckert.
When Vin Diesel refused to do a ""xXx"" sequel for less than a $20 million salary, Columbia Pictures solicited rapper-turned-actor Ice Cube for the role of the next xXx. His acting skills are subpar, but fortunately for Ice Cube, xXx only needs to drive around in SUVs and blow up government buildings.
Performances by Samuel L. Jackson and Willem Dafoe are the only beacons of light in what are dim performances from a cast of mostly unknowns.
The brilliant cinematography and action sequences are what save this sequel from a being train wreck. Much like the first ""xXx,"" ""State of the Union"" is excellent at accenting the beauty of the film's setting through several panoramic shots. The film captures the beauty of Washington, D.C., with wonderful camera work at various locales like the White House, the Capitol and Arlington Cemetery.
Some action movies are mocked for being explosions and nothing more, but the first ""xXx"" created unique action sequences by using nine separate cameras at abnormal angles for a new fresh look.
""State of the Union"" continues this trend by showing the explosions and action sequences in a similar abstract manner as the first ""xXx"" that sets it apart from other action films.
""State of the Union"" is a worthwhile sequel because it remains true to the original ""xXx"" without taking the positive elements too far and crushing the film.
If in the mood for a fun movie with groundbreaking special effects, ""xXx: State of the Union"" provides just enough eye candy for you. However, as far as spy movies go, James Bond can keep the secret agent work.
