xXx 2: The Next Level is dumb with a capital duh. The plot makes no sense, least of all the characters, led by Ice Cube and Samuel L Jackson, who herald each overblown set piece by making some huge leap of illogic or suddenly remembering a vital piece of information.

Despite the film's many shortcomings, for pure visceral thrills, eye-popping pyrotechnics and wanton destruction, director Lee Tamahori delivers.