Ice Cube's film leaves us cold

Ice Cube replaces Vin Diesel in this ridiculously plotted action sequel from director Lee Tamahori.

Ice Cube plays a freed convict working with a bevy of African-American thieves to save a (probably Democratic) President from the first coup d'état in American history.

Staccato dialogue accompanies chases, explosions and slayings, which means that Willem Dafoe and Samuel L Jackson don't get much chance to act.

The battering noise and energy is phenomenal, but the logic practically nil. And none of it is as subversive as it thinks.

xXx 2: The Next Level
Cert: cert12A