Los Angeles Times, July 29, 2002, by Times Staff Writer Lorenza Munoz.

"Whether he was played by Sean Connery, Roger Moore or Pieerce Brosman, James Bond epitomized the upper-class spy; a suave sophisticate, most comfortable in a tuxedo and high-priced sports car.  Xander Cage, the spy played by Vin Diesel in the upcoming action thriller 'XXX,' is something else again: rough, unpolished and crass - and proud of it."

"He's not interested in the Kennedy-era idea of sophistication - like what kind of cigars you smoke, brandy you drink, martini you sip," said the ilm's director, Rob Cohen.  "He is from the guts of the American culture."

"While their parents were weaned on Bond, younger audiences have shown an interest in heroes drawn from society's underbelly."

"While Bond wears a tuxedo, Cage wears a hairy, dirty, shaggy coat.  Where ZBond is loyal to Her Majesty's Secret Service, Cage is out for himself.  Where Bond lives it up in the Ritz-Carlton, Cage sleeps in a cold hole-in-the-wall filled with rats.  The only trait they share in common is that women find both irresistible."

"...anti-authroitarian spy. ...the most avid moviegoer in America is the 14-year old boy.  It is surprising more anti-establishment movies are not made.  It reflects the way people are feeling.  ...dirty, dangerous, tattoed - you know, your kind of people."

I'm glad the bulk of my life was lived before the dcline of civilization.

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