Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx are reuniting in Netflix’s upcoming action-comedy film Back in Action, directed by Seth Gordon. After a highly publicized hiatus from acting, Diaz makes a triumphant return to the screen, joined by Foxx, who has also faced his share of challenges following a near-death experience.
However, they’re back and better than ever, proving that their on-screen chemistry remains undeniable. With this highly anticipated comeback now available to stream on Netflix, we’re here to share our review of the same so you can decide if Back in Action deserves a spot on your watchlist!
Been There, Seen That!
Back in Action kicks off with a 15-year flashback, swiftly introducing Cameron Diaz as Emily and Jamie Foxx as Matt. The duo receives a crucial call, and Emily discovers she’s pregnant, promptly plunging them into a high-stakes mission.
Amidst the action-packed sequences, Diaz commands attention, looking radiant and delivering a performance that’s unaffected by her hiatus, proving her acting chops remain sharp.
Andrew Scott’s arrival in the movie is a notable one, but his dramatic acting expertise makes him feel somewhat miscast and perhaps not his best career movie. Despite staying true to the action-comedy genre, Back in Action plays it overly safe, failing to take any bold creative risks. The result is a familiar, yet unoriginal, viewing experience that feels like a rehashing of familiar tropes.
Emily and Matt stage their own deaths after an action-packed plane crash, seeking a fresh start as they navigate the pregnancy. But, as is often the case in spy action comedies, their past soon catches up with them.
While Diaz and Foxx undoubtedly make a great pair, it’s hard not to feel that Diaz deserved a more impactful movie to mark her return to acting after such a long hiatus.
Emily and Matt build a life together, raising a son and daughter, with Emily yearning for a deeper connection with her daughter. While the romance and chemistry between Diaz and Foxx remain strong, the movie’s talented ensemble cast, including Glenn Close, Kyle Chandler, and Jamie Demetriou, is somewhat wasted in a story that fails to live up to its full potential.
Back in Action tries to pack too much into its nearly two-hour runtime, juggling friends, family, secrets, and action, but ultimately falls flat. While Diaz shines as the movie’s highlight, her triumphant return to the screen is unfortunately overshadowed by a predictable plot and unoriginal twists, diminishing the impact of her highly anticipated comeback.
Conclusion
It’s great to have Cameron Diaz back on our screens, and we’re eagerly anticipating her future projects. Although Back in Action didn’t quite meet expectations, it still has its moments and could be a fun, lighthearted addition to a family movie night.