Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx reunite in 'Back in Action'

Action comedy Back in Action pairs Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx as ex-spies in a family-focused adventure.

Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx in Back in Action, directed by Seth Gordon. © John Wilson/Netflix

By Novanka Laras and Hayu Andini

Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx return to the screen in Back in Action, a Netflix-produced action comedy directed by Seth Gordon. The film marks a reunion for the stars, but its overused premise and predictable execution leave much to be desired. In Back in Action, Diaz and Foxx play Emily and Matt, former spies turned suburban parents, forced out of retirement when their past comes back to haunt them.

The film opens with a prologue showcasing the couple’s spy life before settling down. In a daring heist, Emily and Matt steal a critical device known as the "master key" from an Eastern European terrorist. However, their escape quickly spirals into chaos. While aboard a plane, Emily reveals her pregnancy just before discovering their crew has betrayed them. A comically chaotic fight ensues, featuring Dean Martin’s "Ain’t That a Kick in the Head" on the soundtrack. The couple narrowly escapes, faking their deaths in a crash and leaving the espionage world behind.

Fast forward 15 years, Emily and Matt are living a quiet suburban life with their two children, 14-year-old Alice (McKenna Roberts) and 12-year-old Leo (Rylan Jackson). Alice, a rebellious teen, resents her parents, while Leo is a tech-savvy optimist. Their mundane lives take a turn when a viral video exposes the couple’s spy past. The clip, humorously captioned "boomers wreck dance party," forces the family to flee to Britain as enemies resurface.

In Britain, the couple encounters an old colleague, the duplicitous agent Henry (Andrew Scott). Emily also reconnects with her estranged mother, Ginny (Glenn Close), a retired operative herself. This subplot attempts to add depth to Emily’s character but feels underdeveloped, with Close’s casting as Ginny offering little surprise or impact.

The film’s action sequences, while energetic, often feel uninspired. A car chase featuring a grenade made from Diet Coke and Mentos provides a moment of levity but lacks the ingenuity of classic action films like Mission: Impossible. Similarly, the humor often falls flat, with jokes relying on tired tropes and clichés.

Even the family’s brush with danger in the Thames feels contrived, as the children emerge inexplicably dry after their rescue. These oversights detract from the film’s believability and make it difficult for viewers to stay engaged.

Diaz and Foxx deliver strong performances, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and comedic timing. However, the script does little to support their efforts. Secondary characters, such as Ginny’s awkward trainee (played by Jamie Demetriou), feel more like placeholders for a potential sequel than meaningful additions to the story.

While the cast’s talents are evident, they are undermined by the film’s lackluster writing and predictable plot. Back in Action struggles to find a balance between action, comedy, and heartfelt family dynamics, leaving viewers with a sense of déjà vu rather than excitement.

Despite its flaws, Back in Action has moments that hint at its potential as a franchise starter. The family dynamic, combined with the spy backdrop, could provide fertile ground for future installments—provided the writing improves.

As it stands, the film relies too heavily on well-worn tropes and fails to bring anything fresh to the action-comedy genre. Viewers expecting a thrilling and innovative experience may find themselves disappointed by the film’s lack of originality.

Back in Action reunites Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx in a lighthearted action comedy that struggles to deliver on its promise. While the stars shine in their roles, the film’s predictable plot and uneven writing hold it back from being truly memorable.

For fans of the genre or the lead actors, Back in Action might provide some entertainment, but it falls short of becoming a standout in Netflix’s lineup. Whether this marks the beginning of a new franchise or a standalone effort remains to be seen.

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