It’s been a long time since Xander Cage was last on the big screen, but Vin Diesel brought him back in a big way this weekend with xXx: Return of Xander Cage, which is an action-packed, balls to the wall, adrenaline fuelled thrill ride that goes for broke in just about every way imaginable. It may not be too worried about plot or characterization, but damn if it isn’t one hell of a good time at the theater.
Our very own Matt Donato reviewed the sequel earlier this week and had the following to say about it:
xXx: Return Of Xander Cage is all about staking its claim as the most unhinged genre film in years. D.J. Caruso’s third xXx installment isn’t just off the reservation, it’s in a different galaxy. Hold on to your f*#king butts.
It isn’t all just jaw-dropping stunts and over-the-top action though, as there’s also a small easter egg hidden in there for Marvel fans to pick up on. Yes, believe it or not, Diesel managed to sneak a little Avengers reference into the film. It’s not necessarily that easy to catch, but it is there, and it occurs in the scene where Samuel L. Jackson’s Augustus Gibbons attempts to recruit soccer star Neymar to the xXx team.
If you’ve seen the film, you might remember that during the scene in question, a character card pops up showing Neymar’s traits. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but on the card it shows the reason for meeting Gibbons being that Neymar thought he was being recruited for the Avengers. It’s hardly something to stop the presses, but it’s a fun little nod for those who caught it and should amuse Marvel fans as both Diesel and Jackson are part of the MCU – which is likely how they got away with including it in the first place.
xXx: Return of Xander Cage is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tell us, have you had the chance to check it out yet? If so, did you catch the Avengers reference? Sound off in the usual place and let us know.