xXx: Return of Xander Cage marks the return of Vin Diesel to the over-the-top action franchise after sitting out the second installment. Directed by D. J. Caruso, this third entry cranks the absurdity to eleven, embracing the spirit of extreme sports, globe-trotting espionage, and chaotic set pieces.

The plot follows Xander Cage (Diesel), an adrenaline junkie and former spy, who is pulled out of exile by the CIA to retrieve a dangerous device known as “Pandora’s Box.” He assembles a ragtag team of misfits, including sharpshooter Adele (Ruby Rose), stunt rider Tennyson (Rory McCann), and hacker Nicks (Kris Wu), to go up against another team of similarly skilled agents led by Xiang (Donnie Yen), who may not be the villain he seems.

This film isn’t trying to be serious—and that’s its biggest strength. It knows what it is: a wild ride filled with outrageous stunts, slick one-liners, and a party-like atmosphere. Diesel brings his trademark charisma, but it’s Donnie Yen who steals the spotlight with fluid martial arts and quiet intensity.

There’s little substance beneath the flashy surface, and the story often feels like an excuse to jump from one over-the-top action scene to the next. Still, it delivers pure escapist fun, especially for fans of the genre.