Netflix’s ‘Back in Action’: Can You Skip It?

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  • ‘Back in Action’ Has Divided Critics and Viewers
  • Cameron Diaz Could Have Chosen a Better Film to Make Her Comeback

As a fan, I’m thrilled to announce that Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx’s new action-comedy film, “Back in Action,” has just landed on Netflix. The title itself seems to hint at Cameron Diaz returning to our screens after a while. Released on January 17, 2025, this movie is ruling the roost, sitting comfortably at the top of Netflix’s Global Top 10 Movies list with an astounding 46.8 million views in less than seven days. However, just because it’s breaking records doesn’t necessarily mean “Back in Action” should be on everyone’s must-watch list right away.

Originally titled “Back in Action,” this film is helmed by director Seth Gordon. The main characters, played by Diaz and Foxx, are ex-CIA agents Emily and Matt who decide to abandon their thrilling spy lifestyle upon learning that Emily is expecting a child. However, the title “Back in Action” wouldn’t live up to its name if Emily and Matt didn’t find themselves once more entangled in the mystery and danger of the espionage world. Their peaceful family life is shattered when footage of them surfaces online, exposing their true identities. Now, with their two kids in tow, Emily and Matt must flee from those chasing them. Some might say this plot is a bit clichéd; indeed, it seems that way to many.

‘Back in Action’ Delivers Fast-Paced Action Without Any Depth

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Right from the start, “Back in Action” is jam-packed with action. Barely 10 minutes into the movie, the action ignites, and viewers witness Matt and Emily showcasing their spy abilities on an airplane flying over snowy peaks. The crash that follows is explosive, yet both Emily and Matt miraculously walk away unscathed. As it turns out, they discover that Emily is pregnant mere moments ago. In a flash, they decide to exploit the crash as a cover and disappear from public view.

The swiftness of Matt and Emily’s decision to retire from their secretive lives and the seemingly effortless transition they undertook may hinder viewers from fully empathizing with the characters. The storyline seems shallow throughout, leaving numerous questions unaddressed. Was it truly simple for Matt and Emily to abandon all they had dedicated their lives to? Who assisted them in acclimating to civilian life? From where did they obtain not only fake passports for themselves but also for their children? How were Matt and Emily able to evade detection by the government or those pursuing them, given that they didn’t adopt new identities?

The storyline of “Back in Action” appears to have some inconsistencies, making it seem somewhat incomplete. However, this doesn’t mean the movie isn’t fun to watch. The chemistry between Foxx and Cameron, albeit with dialogue that feels a bit contrived at times, is one of the film’s strengths. It also explores the theme of parent-child relationships, particularly mother-daughter bonds, and includes enough high-octane action scenes. In other words, “Back in Action” offers an enjoyable, light-hearted viewing experience. While it wouldn’t be a tragedy to miss it, you might still find it worth your time.

‘Back in Action’ Has Divided Critics and Viewers

The movie titled “Back in Action” has garnered a mix of opinions from viewers and critics. This disparity is evident in its Rotten Tomatoes rating, where it scores only 26% on the Tomatometer, suggesting that most critics find the film unworthy of viewing. Conversely, audiences have given it a more favorable rating of 61%. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes seem particularly critical of the movie, with Dustin Rowles describing it as “merely loud, uninspired nonsense, a screensaver in motion.” Neil Soans expressed similar sentiments about the film’s predictability, writing that it lacked originality.

Although it sometimes offers sharp wit and inventive scenes, the storyline tends to lean excessively on familiar tropes instead of pushing beyond ordinary levels.

Despite the audience being more forgiving, they held opinions not unlike those of critics. Ahmet A mentioned that he could barely endure past the 30-minute point, asserting that the script, special effects, and performances were abysmal. Backing this up, Lori T concurred.

This tale feels repetitive and unoriginal, lacking excitement. It’s challenging to find interest in Diaz and Fox using karate moves to escape a predictable storyline. Yawn…

The narrative here seems overly familiar and dull. It’s tough to engage with the action-packed scenes involving Diaz and Fox, as their karate fights feel like just another rehashed plot twist. Snooze…

Cameron Diaz Could Have Chosen a Better Film to Make Her Comeback

In 2018, Cameron Diaz announced she was stepping away from acting. Her final movie was a remake titled “Annie” in 2014 where she co-starred with Jamie Foxx. Interestingly, both the start and end of her retirement found her working alongside Foxx, as she is set to return in “Back in Action.” During an interview on BBC’s Graham Norton Show, Cameron shared that her retirement proved to be the most fulfilling decade of her life. However, returning to acting became a logical choice for her family’s sake.

Considering the thoughtfulness involved in resuming a 10-year acting hiatus, was “Back in Action” the ideal film for the star’s comeback? That might not have been the case, but as MovieWeb’s review suggests, it is what it is. However, there seems to be a consensus between viewers and critics that Cameron Diaz’s performance in the movie is flawless. According to Cindy W:

I truly enjoyed the film, finding it entertaining to watch. It’s great to see Cameron Diaz back on screen, even if just for this one movie, as I’ve missed her in films since she mostly retired. The chemistry between Diaz and Jamie Foxx is quite strong, and the storyline is amusing. While it might not be an Academy Award contender, I found it a delightful watch nonetheless.

The striking return of its stars is one of the main reasons why “Back in Action” has been well-received by critics. Even though the storyline may be foreseeable and average in terms of action, the chemistry between Cameron and Foxx manages to keep the movie engaging. In the words of Stephanie Zacharek:

…the return of the film’s stars is one of its major strengths, even as some critics note that its plot may be predictable or typical for an action movie. Yet the interaction between Cameron and Foxx keeps things interesting on-screen.

Though Back in Action may appear dull and uneventful overall, the charm of its actors cannot be overlooked. They continue to deliver witty dialogue with precision, while their relaxed demeanor adds a lighthearted feel that infuses the film with whatever warmth it possesses.

Back in Action is now available to stream on Netflix.

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2025-01-25 04:32