Xander Cage returns

Vin Diesel’s back as the extreme sports super agent in xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Here are five things you should know about the action-packed Diesel vehicle.

1.

Many pundits wondered whether Xander Cage would ever show up again. Diesel hinted that he would reprise the portrayal in 2006 after starring in the first two films. But one thing didn’t lead to another. A studio change got things moving again for the project, though. And Diesel was more than happy to rejuvenate the franchise. He does, after all, have to share the Fast and the Furious limelight with others.

2.

New to the party is filmmaker D. J. Caruso, who doesn’t have the action credibility of former director Rob Cohen. Cohen, after all, kick- started The Fast and the Furious series besides shaping the two Xander features. Still, Caruso, after making his name with hits like Disturbia and I am Number Four, will take on the third G. I. Joe flick for his next big- bang production based on the strength of his latest special effects showcase.

3.

The production filmed some of its exotic exteriors in the Dominican Republic and Miami, Fla. But Toronto and Hamilton spots count, too, including Hamilton’s Burlington Street Overpass.

4.

Samuel L. Jackson’s back as Agent Gibbons. It’s not as a lucrative as his Nick Fury cameo gig in the Marvel movie universe, but the actor obviously likes to stay busy. In another nostalgia move, Jackson will voice Frozone again in The Incredibles sequel. Apparently, home is where his job is.

5.

The third Xander Cage flick might not get the boxoffice returns of the first one in 2002. That movie raked in US$ 277.4 million worldwide. However, the latest Diesel film should have a strong opening weekend based on the sevenmillion- plus online hits the trailer’s attracted. Fans will let Diesel know within days, but he’s saying things look good for a fourth picture.