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{{Short description|American action film directed by Rob Cohen}}
{{Infobox film
| name = XXX
| image = Xxx movie.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Rob Cohen]]
| producer = [[Neal H. Moritz]]
| writer = [[Rich Wilkes]]
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Vin Diesel]]
* [[Asia Argento]]
* [[Marton Csokas]]
}}
| music = [[Randy Edelman]]
| cinematography = [[Dean Semler]]
| editing = {{Plainlist|
* [[Chris Lebenzon]]
* [[Paul Rubell]]
* Joel Negron
}}
| studio = [[Revolution Studios]]<ref name="afi">{{cite web|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/62614|title=XXX (2002)|work=[[AFI Catalog of Feature Films]]|access-date=2019-07-21}}</ref>
| distributor = [[Sony Pictures Releasing]]<ref name=afi/>
| released = {{Film date|2002|08|09}}
| runtime = 124 minutes<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/xxx-2002 | title=''XXX'' (12A) (CUT) | work=[[British Board of Film Classification]] | date=2002-09-24 | access-date=2012-10-19}}</ref>
| country = United States
| language = English
| budget = $88.3 million<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.thewrap.com/inside-revolution-studios-confidential-sales-document-why-joe-roth-failed-30659/ | title='Inside the Revolution Library: Where Joe Roth Went Wrong| first= Brent |last= Lang |date=September 1, 2011 |work= TheWrap.com |access-date= June 28, 2017}}</ref>
| gross = $277.4 million<ref name="boxoffice" />
}}

'''''XXX''''' (stylized as '''''xXx''''' and pronounced '''''Triple X''''') is a 2002 American [[action film]] directed by [[Rob Cohen]], produced by [[Neal H. Moritz]] and written by [[Rich Wilkes]]. The first installment in the [[XXX (film series)|''XXX'' film series]], the film stars [[Vin Diesel]] as Xander Cage, a thrill-seeking [[extreme sport]]s enthusiast, [[Stunt performer|stuntman]] and rebellious athlete-turned-reluctant spy for the [[National Security Agency]]. Cage is sent on a dangerous mission to infiltrate a group of potential Russian terrorists in Central Europe. The film also stars [[Asia Argento]], [[Marton Csokas]] and [[Samuel L. Jackson]]. Cohen, Moritz and Diesel had previously worked on ''[[The Fast and the Furious (2001 film)|The Fast and the Furious]]'' (2001) as director, producer and cast member respectively. The film grossed $277.4 million worldwide and was followed by two sequels, ''[[XXX: State of the Union]]'' (2005) and ''[[XXX: Return of Xander Cage]]'' (2017).

==Plot==

Anarchy 99, a Russian terrorist group, acquires the biochemical weapon "Silent Night", presumed missing since [[the fall of the Soviet Union]]. Undercover [[National Security Agency|NSA]] agent Jim McGrath is assigned to recover the weapon, but is discovered and killed by Anarchy 99 at a [[Rammstein]] concert.

NSA Agent Augustus Gibbons suggests sending someone who lacks ties to the US government, such as Xander "XXX" Cage, an extreme sports professional wanted by the FBI for acts protesting against a California state senator. Gibbons takes Cage into custody, who then passes two field tests, before reluctantly accepting the job after he is told the only other option is prison.

Cage meets the NSA support team in [[Prague]], which includes Czech agent Milan Sova, who's tasked with supervising and, if necessary, deporting Cage. While scouting an Anarchy 99 party, Cage identifies Sova as a police officer to Anarchy 99's leader, Yorgi, earning him favor with the group. Cage asks him about purchasing high end sports cars, and Yorgi's girlfriend and lieutenant Yelena, gives Cage an account number.

Gibbons calls Cage about changes to the plan but is impressed when he gives them information provided by the star-struck Kolya. Tech-specialist Agent Toby Shavers then provides Cage with a special revolver, binoculars that can see through walls and explosives disguised as bandages.

As Cage attends the car deal he made with Yorgi, Sova attempts to intercede. Using the trick revolver and special effects, Cage fake kills Sova. Having earned Yorgi's trust, Cage joins Anarchy 99.

Yorgi brings Cage back to a castle after a dance party at one of his nightclubs that serves as Anarchy 99's headquarters. Cage, while searching for the biochemical weapon, catches Yelena investigating Yorgi's secret safe. He takes her to a nearby restaurant to discuss the matter and reveals his true identity.

Sova betrays Cage to Yorgi, so he sends his trusted sniper Kirill to kill him. While watching the pair, Kirill, who is in love with Yelena, warns her. As Cage and Yelena stage a fight, the NSA suddenly appears to capture him, and Yelena is taken back to Anarchy 99.

Cage meets with Gibbons, who demands he return to America as his cover is blown and special forces are planning to siege the castle. He refuses, fearing for Yelena's life and bitter that Sova blew his cover.

Cage sneaks into Yorgi's castle and follows him into a secret underground lab. Overhearing his plan to launch "Silent Night" from the water-borne drone Ahab; he first tests the weapon on the scientists who developed it, to Cage and Yelena's horror.

Cage flees the area after killing Kolya. At his hideout, Sova is waiting for him, now with Yorgi. Yelena saves Cage, revealing herself to be an abandoned undercover Russian [[Federal Security Service]] agent. Cage relays Yorgi's plans to the NSA in return for Yelena's asylum.

Against orders, Shavers heavily arms Cage's car, who then parachutes from a plane on a snowboard near Anarchy 99's communication tower. The avalanche he starts destroys the tower but he is captured by Yorgi, who already knew Yelena's identity. As Yorgi prepares to kill them, the special forces attack. Cage and Yelena free themselves, but Yorgi launches Ahab before Cage kills him.

The Czech military prepares to destroy Ahab with airstrikes, though this will release some of the biochemical agent. Cage and Yelena take his heavily modified car, to catch up to Ahab. Cage harpoons and disables the weapon moments before it goes off.

Cage and Yelena are recovered, and Gibbons follows through on his promises. In the conclusion, the couple is relaxing in [[Bora Bora]] when Gibbons contacts him for another mission, but Cage ignores him.

==Cast==
* [[Vin Diesel]] as Xander "XXX" Cage, a thrill-seeking American [[extreme sports]] enthusiast, [[stuntman]] and [[anti-establishment]] activist. Idolized in some sub-cultures, Cage is also hunted by the authorities and he is offered a deal to become a [[spy]] for the [[National Security Agency]] in exchange for leniency, the agency requiring an agent who can do the current job without the military professional training that Anarchy 99's background will allow them to recognise.
* [[Samuel L. Jackson]] as Augustus Gibbons, a high-ranking official in the National Security Agency who has the power to give Cage a pardon for his crimes. He uses this fact as leverage to recruit Cage for a mission because he knows Cage is the only person who could successfully infiltrate Anarchy 99, recognising the benefits of Cage's rebellious attitude and unorthodox methods.
* [[William Hope (actor)|William Hope]] as Roger Donnan, the associate and administrator of the National Security Agency.
* [[Danny Trejo]] as "El Jefe", a torturer for a [[Colombia]]n [[drug cartel]].
* [[Asia Argento]] as Yelena, Yorgi's apparent girlfriend. Originally a [[Federal Security Bureau|Russian intelligence agent]], sent to watch over Yorgi but has since been abandoned by her superiors. Yelena becomes romantically involved with Cage and he attempts to get her political asylum in the United States for her assistance in bringing down Yorgi.
* [[Marton Csokas]] as Yorgi, a former soldier in the [[Soviet Army]], now a wealthy [[hedonist]] owning a string of properties around [[Eastern Europe]], including a [[castle]] and [[nightclub]]s. Yorgi is also the leader of Anarchy 99, a group of militant [[anarchism|anarchist]]s with a disdain for all forms of government and authority, and society in general. His ultimate aim is complete [[lawlessness]] across the world.
* [[Michael Roof]] as Toby Lee Shavers, an NSA techno-genius and gadget specialist.
* [[Richy Müller]] as Milan Sova, a cop and [[double agent]].
* [[Werner Daehn]] as Kirill, a member of Anarchy 99, [[Nicotine#Reinforcement disorders|cigarette addict]] and [[sharpshooter]].
* [[Petr Jákl]] as Kolya, Yorgi's younger brother.
* [[Jan Pavel Filipensky]] as Viktor, a member of Anarchy 99 and close friend of Yorgi. He is usually with Yorgi wherever he goes.
* [[Tom Everett]] as Dick Hotchkiss, a conservative [[California State Senator]]; his car is stolen and wrecked by Cage prior to his recruitment by the NSA, as a protest against some of Hotchkiss's policies.
* [[Thomas Ian Griffith]] as Jim McGrath, an undercover agent killed by Anarchy 99 while trying to retrieve the Silent Night weapon.
* [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]] as J.J., Xander's friend
* [[Leila Arcieri]] as Jordan King
* [[Rammstein]] as themselves

To imply Xander Cage's credibility within extreme sport subcultures, various personalities make cameo appearances:

* [[Tony Hawk]] makes a cameo appearance in the Corvette scene from the bottom of the bridge driving the getaway Cadillac, (near the beginning of the film) and skating over a half-pipe at Xander's place later.
* [[Mike Vallely]] also makes a cameo as a cameraman and an extra. Pro motocross rider [[Carey Hart]] is seen in the back seat of the Cadillac driven by Tony Hawk.
* [[BMX]] rider [[Mat Hoffman]] exchanges lines with Xander during the party scene.
* Also during the party scene, [[Josh Todd (musician)|Josh Todd]] (the lead singer of [[Buckcherry]]) makes a cameo appearance though he never turns around, but his suicide king of hearts tattoo can be seen on his back.

== Production ==
{{more citations needed section|date=September 2012}}
In July 2001 it was announced that Vin Diesel will receive in the neighborhood of $10 million to star in the film, with an initial release date of July 26, 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hive4media.com/news/html/theatrical_article.cfm?article_id=1531|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010809215847/http://www.hive4media.com:80/news/html/theatrical_article.cfm?article_id=1531|title='Furious' Vin Diesel Will Star in Revolution Studios' Spy Thriller 'XXX'|website=[[hive4media.com]]|archive-date=August 9, 2001|date=July 31, 2001|access-date=September 21, 2019|via=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> It is believed that before Diesel was cast, [[Eric Bana]] turned down the lead role of Xander Cage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2002 |title=The incredible rise of Mr Bana |url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/movies/the-incredible-rise-of-mr-bana-20021015-gduotr.html |access-date=May 18, 2022 |website=[[The Age]]}}</ref> In August 2001, Sony put up a large billboard advertising the film in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]], before a script had been written.<ref name="boxofficemojo">{{cite web |title = ''Extreme Weekend for XXXسکس '' (2002) |url = https://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=1232&p=.htm |work = [[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date = May 23, 2012 }}</ref> There was also a teaser trailer released on May 3, 2002. It was shown attached to ''[[Spider-Man (2002 film)|Spider-Man]]'' and on the web.

Filming took place at three locations. Most of the film is set in [[Prague]], [[Czech Republic]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Koehler |first=Robert |title=XXX |url=https://variety.com/2002/film/reviews/xxx-1200546971/ |website=Variety |date=5 August 2002 |quote=highlighted by lenser Dean Semler and designer Gavin Bocquet turning Prague into one of pic’s major attractions.}}</ref> The Corvette jump was filmed at the [[Foresthill Bridge]] in [[Auburn State Recreation Area]], [[Auburn, California]].<ref name="cinemablend">{{cite web |author=PHILIP SLEDGE APR. 19. 2020 |title=xXx: 10 Behind The Scenes Facts About The Vin Diesel Movie |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2494517/xxx-behind-the-scenes-facts-about-the-vin-diesel-movie |website=CINEMABLEND |date=19 April 2020}}</ref> The final scenes were set in [[Bora Bora]], [[Tahiti]], and other areas in southern West Virginia.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}}

Several Czech [[Sukhoi Su-17|Su-22s]] were used for the film. It was one of the last actions of these aircraft – the [[Czech Air Force]] decommissioned Sukhois in 2002.

Vin Diesel did many of his own stunts, director Rob Cohen said: "I think the thing is that Vin did more than he should have, but less than he wanted to." Diesel took a fall during the avalanche scene, and landed head first and wasn't moving, and Cohen was worried the star of the film might have broken his neck.<ref>{{cite AV media |title='XXX' Interview |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfkT5Ne5yes?t=170 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/BfkT5Ne5yes| archive-date=2021-10-30|time=2m50s |website=[[YouTube]] }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="cinemablend" /> A scene where Cage [[BASE jumping|base jumps]] from a [[Chevrolet Corvette|Corvette]] was performed by [[Tim Rigby (stuntman)|Tim Rigby]] wearing a Vin Diesel mask.<ref>{{cite web |date=29 May 2017 |last=Kitchener |first=Shaun |title=xXx secrets revealed: How extreme sports pros helped with THESE incredible stunts |url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/810558/xxx-stunts-secrets-Return-of-Xander-Cage-Vin-Diesel |website=Express.co.uk }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=World Stunt Awards 2003 |url=https://www.worldstuntawards.com/www/getFile.php?id=85&pos=7 |website=Worldstuntawards.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030719003247/https://www.worldstuntawards.com/www/getFile.php?id=85&pos=7 |archive-date=2003-07-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The motorcycle jump was performed by professional motocross rider and stuntman [[Jeremy Stenberg]], and Diesel's face was later added digitally.<ref name="cinemablend" />

Stunt player Harry O'Connor, Diesel's stunt double, was killed on April 4, 2002, when he hit a pillar of the [[Palacký Bridge]] in Prague while [[Parasailing|para-sailing]] during one of the action scenes. The accident occurred while filming the second take of the stunt; O'Connor's first attempt was completed without incident and can be seen in the completed film, which was dedicated to him.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/11928 |title=Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news |publisher=Aintitcool.com |date= April 7, 2002 |author= |access-date=2020-07-28 }}</ref>

The first few minutes of the film take place at a concert of German [[Neue Deutsche Härte]] band [[Rammstein]] in Prague, performing the song "[[Feuer Frei]]". The same clip is available, but from the band's perspective (with only brief scenes from the film) in their video compilation ''[[Lichtspielhaus]]''.<ref name="rammstein">{{cite web |url=http://www.rammstein.de/history/#/article=206&timestamp=999314159647 |title=Scene Shooting for the Movie Triple X |publisher=Rammstein & Pilgrim Management |access-date=6 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502204201/http://www.rammstein.de/history/#/article=206&timestamp=999314159647 |archive-date=2 May 2012 }}{{Dead link|fix-attempted=yes|date=August 2020}}</ref>

== Music ==
{{Main|XXX (soundtrack)}}
The [[film score]] was composed by [[Randy Edelman]], a frequent collaborator of Cohen's. The film also featured a contemporary [[rock music]] soundtrack. [[Rammstein]] provided some of the music and was even featured in the film in the opening scene. During the club scene in Prague, [[Orbital (band)|Orbital]] can be seen playing their exclusive track "Technologicque Park" live before the dancing crowd. The soundtrack album also features [[Queens of the Stone Age (album)|Queens of the Stone Age]], [[Drowning Pool]], [[Hatebreed]], [[Nelly]], [[Lil Wayne]], [[N.E.R.D]], [[Fermín IV]] and [[Moby]]. It was released on August 6, 2002, through [[Universal Records]]. It peaked at #9 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], #16 on the [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]] and #1 on the [[Top Soundtracks]]. The "Tweaker remix" of the song "Adrenaline" by [[Gavin Rossdale]] (the lead singer of [[Bush (British band)|Bush]]) was featured was in the film, while the original version is included on the soundtrack. None of Edelman's score was included on the album, with a separate disc of his work released by [[Varèse Sarabande]].

== Reception ==
=== Box office ===
{{Anchor|Box Office}}

The film opened in 3,374 theaters and grossed $44,506,103 in its opening weekend.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Brandon |date=August 12, 2002 |title=Extreme Weekend for 'XXX' |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed930350084/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Box Office Mojo |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515001229/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed930350084/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It grossed a total of $142 million, and a further $135 million internationally for a worldwide total of $277.4 million worldwide.<ref name="boxoffice">{{cite web |title =XXX (2002) |url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=xxx.htm |work = [[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date = August 6, 2011 }}</ref>

=== Critical response ===
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]] the film has an approval rating of 48% based on reviews from 180 critics, with an average rating of 5.59/10. The site's consensus reads: "It has an endearing lack of seriousness, and Vin Diesel has more than enough muscle for the starring role, but ultimately, ''XXX'' is a missed opportunity to breathe new life into the spy thriller genre."<ref>{{cite web |title = ''XXX'' (2002) |url = https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/xxx/ |work = [[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date = July 31, 2020 }}</ref> On [[Metacritic]] the film has a score of 48 out of 100, based on reviews from 33 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |title=xXx |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/xxx |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2020-05-04 }}</ref> Audiences surveyed by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film a grade A− on scale of A to F.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |title= XXX (2002) A- |work= [[CinemaScore]] |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180206073531/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |archive-date= February 6, 2018 }}</ref>

[[Roger Ebert]] of the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' gave it {{frac|3|1|2}} stars out of 4, writing, "In its own punk way, ''XXX'' is as good as a good Bond movie, and that's saying something."<ref>{{cite web |date=August 9, 2002 |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |title=XXX |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/xxx-2002 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |via=RogerEbert.com |access-date=October 11, 2017 }}</ref> Peter Travers of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' wrote: "It's hard to hate a movie, even one this droolingly crass, that knows how to laugh at itself."<ref>{{cite magazine |date=9 August 2002 |last=Travers |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Travers |title=xXx |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/xxx-120591/ |magazine=Rolling Stone }}</ref> Adam Smith of ''[[Empire (film magazine)|Empire]]'' called the movie, "Sporadically entertaining, but seriously hampered by a very choppy screenplay", and rating it three out of five stars.<ref>{{cite web |date= |author=Adam Smith |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/xxx-review/ |title=XXX (2002) review |website= [[Empire (film magazine)]] |access-date=July 24, 2016 }}</ref>

This film was nominated for a [[23rd Golden Raspberry Awards|Razzie Award]] for Most Flatulent Teen-Targeted Movie, but lost to ''[[Jackass: The Movie]]''.

== See also ==
* [[XXX (video game)|''XXX'' (video game)]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote|XXX}}
* {{IMDb title|0295701|XXX}}
* {{amg movie|260394|XXX}}
* {{mojo title|xxx|XXX}}

{{XXX}}
{{Rob Cohen}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:XXX}}
[[Category:2002 films]]
[[Category:2002 action thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s spy films]]
[[Category:American action adventure films]]
[[Category:American action thriller films]]
[[Category:American spy films]]
[[Category:2000s English-language films]]
[[Category:Films produced by Neal H. Moritz]]
[[Category:2000s German-language films]]
[[Category:2000s Spanish-language films]]
[[Category:2000s Russian-language films]]
[[Category:Czech-language films]]
[[Category:Techno-thriller films]]
[[Category:Films set in California]]
[[Category:Films set in Colombia]]
[[Category:Films set in Prague]]
[[Category:Films shot in Austria]]
[[Category:Films shot in Bora Bora]]
[[Category:Films shot in California]]
[[Category:Films shot in the Czech Republic]]
[[Category:Films shot in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Films shot in West Virginia]]
[[Category:Revolution Studios films]]
[[Category:Columbia Pictures films]]
[[Category:Original Film films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Randy Edelman]]
[[Category:Films directed by Rob Cohen]]
[[Category:Avalanches in film]]
[[Category:XXX (film series)|*1]]
[[Category:2000s American films]]
[[Category:American spy action films]]

XXX (2002 film) - Revision history

WilhelminaBoswel at 10:37, 15 March 2026

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article