Critics vs. Viewers: Dividing Opinions on Cameron Diaz’s Comeback Film ‘Back In Action’ on Netflix

by

The recently released action-comedy film “Back In Action,” starring Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx, is receiving mixed reviews from both critics and viewers. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has been given a 23% rating by critics, but audiences have shown more favorable opinions, giving it a 63% rating.

Under the guidance of Seth Gordon, known for his work on “Horrible Bosses”, comes the movie titled “Back In Action”. This film revolves around Matt (played by Foxx) and Emily (portrayed by Diaz), who used to be CIA agents. After years of living a peaceful family life with their teenage daughter Alice (McKenna Roberts), they are thrust back into the world of international espionage as their identities are exposed. To make matters worse, the couple is also dealing with the upcoming marriage and the impending birth of another child for the duo who are already in a relationship.

The recurring theme of characters going back to a life they no longer desire (as mentioned in The Godfather III) might be a major factor behind its poor 23% “Tomatometer” rating. According to Ben Kenigsberg from The New York Times, the familiarity tends to wear off viewers. However, some spectators appreciated Back In Action because it didn’t take itself too seriously and viewed the repeated narrative as a self-aware commentary.

Deborah Z commented that the movie was quite enjoyable for her, resembling films from the early 2000s with a light-hearted tone and some family-friendly humor. She found it unfortunate that some people might overanalyze movies like this one, as it straightforwardly delivers on its promise.

Was ‘Back In Action’ An Appropriate Comeback for Cameron Diaz?

It appears that both critics and viewers found common ground in their praise for the impressive acting skills displayed by Cameron Diaz in her comeback movie. After her last appearance in the 2014 adaptation of ‘Annie’, alongside Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz declared retirement in 2018; however, she returned to the silver screen with ‘Back In Action’ (and allegedly received a substantial paycheck).

Ty Burr from The Washington Post noted that the film “Back In Action” had just enough edge to keep the actors engaged, and Diaz in particular seemed invigorated by it. Additionally, having an esteemed comedic actor like Jamie Foxx on board definitely boosted the movie’s prospects, as did casting renowned actress Glenn Close.

Audience members on Rotten Tomatoes were highly impressed by the duo in the movie, with Dorota B. remarking, “Jamie and Cameron are outstanding“. “They once again delivered an exceptional performance, and Glenn was spot-on too! It’s definitely worth watching. I am extremely proud of the director for producing such a quality film in 2025!” However, some critics felt that Diaz could have chosen a stronger movie for her return to acting.

As I sat in the cinema, I couldn’t help but notice that Cameron Diaz still seems to carry that unique charm. However, it’s clear that she needs to be more selective about the projects she takes on, as this film doesn’t quite do justice to her talents. It was delightful seeing her back on screen after a long hiatus, but I can’t help but feel disappointed that she didn’t pick a better project for her comeback.

In the end, spectators acknowledged that although “Back In Action” may not be award-winning, it was nevertheless an enjoyable movie to watch. This is as Cindy W puts it about the film:

* “Despite not being a contender for any prizes, ‘Back In Action’ made for a fun viewing experience.

I found this film incredibly entertaining, and it was a joy to see Cameron Diaz return, even if just for one movie. I’ve been missing her films since she stepped away from acting, so it was a delight to see her again. The chemistry between her and Jamie Foxx is palpable, and the storyline is engaging. While it may not be a contender for awards, I found it more than worth my time.

Back In Action is streaming now on Netflix.

Read More

2025-01-21 22:31