‘Back in Action’ Review: Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz Atone for ‘Annie’ in Diverting Netflix Espionage Comedy

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While it may still be early to claim that Netflix has fully found its stride in mainstream popcorn films, the release of “Rebel Ridge” and “Carry-On” suggests a promising direction. The latest addition, “Back in Action,” offers similar nostalgic enjoyment, but with a more lighthearted, family-friendly comedic spin. Director Seth Gordon may not be as seasoned as Jeremy Saulnier or Jaume Collet-Serra, the skilled directors of recent Netflix productions, but he skillfully delivers the action. He manages to keep the story moving by incorporating numerous car chases and physical altercations, which could easily fuel multiple movies. However, the real strength lies in the reuniting of Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz as romantic leads who also possess impressive martial arts abilities.

The two actors initially collaborated in Oliver Stone’s 1999 sports drama “Any Given Sunday” and later teamed up once more for the disappointing film adaptation of “Annie” in 2014. After leaving acting to devote time to her family, Diaz was persuaded by Foxx to return for this production, marking her first appearance in a feature film in over a decade. Their sparkling chemistry and natural rapport with their characters’ dialogue serve as a delightful reminder of how captivating screen performers they can be.

In a unique turn of events for Foxx, the upcoming movie marks his comeback following an unspecified medical crisis during filming in Atlanta, which later turned out to be a life-threatening stroke that necessitated several months of intensive physical therapy to regain fundamental motor abilities. This health scare is detailed in his 2023 Netflix special titled Jamie Foxx: What Happened Was…. The excitement among fans will undoubtedly heighten as they watch these talented actors not only exchange witty banter but also execute most of their own stunts.

The lineage of the stars lends a ’90s/2000s feel to “Back in Action”, reminiscent of a blend between “True Lies”, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”, “Spy Kids” and a hint of “Mission: Impossible”. Diaz’s action scenes also evoke her vibrant spiritedness from the initial and most successful reboot of “Charlie’s Angels”. The screenplay, penned by director Gordon (who has collaborated with Foxx on “Horrible Bosses”) and Brendan O’Brien (of “Neighbors” and “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates”), may not be original, but its familiarity makes it a satisfying comfort movie.

In the days of old, fluffy movies like these, filled with sparkle and charm, were a common sight in cinemas. Now, they’re becoming scarce in the post-Marvel era, as studios are more invested in lucrative franchises. If this is an attempt by streaming platforms to fill that void, with big-name actors to distract from the occasionally absurd storylines and a top-notch supporting cast to elevate it, I guess it’s not so bad.

In a thrilling, fast-paced introduction to the undercover CIA agents Matt (Foxx) and Emily (Diaz), who were 15 years ago in the early stages of their romantic involvement, Gordon gives a friendly wink to the James Bond-style character as Emily learns she’s carrying a child.

Chuck, the agency’s representative (played by Kyle Chandler), sends Matt and Emily on a mission to break into the safe of Eastern European terrorist Balthazar Gor (Robert Besta) and retrieve a master key that can either crash or manipulate any global system. Being unarmed when an alarm sounds, they must use their resourcefulness and agility – as seen throughout the series – to defend themselves against Gor’s henchmen using whatever items are available, coupled with their exceptional hand-to-hand combat skills.

Shortly after Matt discovers he’ll be a father, they endure a lethal attack, an air catastrophe, and a treacherous plunge onto snowy mountains. He proposes that it’s high time for them to abandon their spy work and disappear off the map. This close call, where they were believed dead, offers them a convenient disguise. Here comes the main title card.

Currently, Matt and Emily are leading a typical family life, nurturing their two kids – the somewhat moody 14-year-old Alice (McKenna Roberts) and her cheerful 11-year-old brother Leo (Rylan Jackson) – in the pristine suburbs of an undisclosed American city.

Growing concerned about Alice’s growing aggression towards her, Emily begins to doubt the truth of Alice claiming to spend evenings studying at a friend’s house. This leads both parents to employ old-fashioned detective methods, culminating in an unexpected and comical intervention where their unsuspected bravery leaves their embarrassed daughter aghast. Matt tries to dismiss her queries about their physical abilities: “We attended a couple of taekwondo classes.

If one of Alice’s friends shares a video about the incident online, Matt and Emily’s secret is exposed. Soon after, Chuck arrives at their door, stating that the master-key from the plane crash site was never found, suggesting he could be traced easily. This means Gor’s henchmen won’t take long to find them as well.

Escaping a barrage of gunfire and a horde of assassins in a thrilling car chase through suburban neighborhoods, they quickly whisk Alice and Leo away from school and board a plane to London. However, their attempts to lay low are short-lived. Gor’s mercenaries swiftly follow their trail, as well as MI6, headed by Baron (Andrew Scott), an enigmatic character with unrequited feelings for Emily that date back to a failed first date years ago.

In a memorable scene outside London, at a gas station diner, Alice and Leo stare in astonishment as their parents engage in a fierce fight with a group of heavily armed attackers. An ingenious touch comes from Matt’s manipulation of a petrol pump during the action. Earlier, he had improvised weapons using a Diet Coke bottle and Mentos tubes. However, the children soon reach the limits of their observation, prompting Matt and Emily to disclose their background in global espionage.

To delve into family dynamics, they travel to the secluded English countryside estate owned by Emily’s mother, Ginny (played by Glenn Close). It’s here that Ginny is introduced to her grandchildren for the first time. The chilly interactions between Ginny — later revealed as a legendary figure from MI6 — and Emily provide Alice with a glimpse into her mother’s overbearing protective nature.

Ginny and Nigel, her younger admirer who aspires to be a spy but lacks skill, are introduced. Despite his clumsy attempts, she indulges him with fake support, escalating the humor towards absurdity. (Close’s portrayal is so exaggeratedly posh that it seems tailored for 103 Dalmatians; Demetriou delivers a significant dose of classic British sitcom comedy.)

However, these characters are endearing and hold significance. They offer a magnificent setting for a siege when the family is discovered, and later prove beneficial as the story moves from a formal gathering at the Tate Modern to a thrilling chase along the Thames that involves boats and motorcycles. Throughout this sequence of events, not one but two main characters are unexpectedly unveiled as something other than what they initially appeared to be.

Indeed, undercover missions and global turmoil often act as unexpected catalysts, helping to rekindle family bonds and prompting the children (both skillfully portrayed) to reevaluate their once-cool parental figures. Moreover, Alice and Leo exhibit a courage that hints at espionage prowess being an inherited trait. The film may not create a niche in the esteemed action-comedy hall of fame, but it offers enjoyable, uncomplicated entertainment – and there’s nothing wrong with that.

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2025-01-17 05:25