They’re back and better than ever, or at least we hope so! Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx return to the screen, in Nextflix’s newest supercharged feature, Back in Action. The return marks Diaz’s first feature film in 10 years and Foxx’s first scripted film since his three-week hospitalization for a medical emergency during its filming in April 2023.
In a cinematic landscape currently dominated by superhero spectacles, gritty war dramas, and erotic thrillers, Back in Action emerges as a nice distraction from the world’s chaos, even if the story feels overly familiar and formulaic. The action-packed comedy, directed by the Seth Gordon (Four Christmases, Horrible Bosses), tells the story of Matt and Emily Reynolds, former CIA operatives who have traded in their thrilling but dangerous lives for the seemingly mundane existence of suburban parenthood.
The straight-to-TV film, released on the streaming platform on January 17, opens with the couple embroiled in their final high-pressured mission before taking their lives off the grid to protect their growing family.
The plot thickens as we fast forward to modern day when the now-seemingly uncouth Gen X parentals wreck a preteen dance party, much to their daughter’s chagrin, ending with a viral video of “where-did-your-mom-get-those-mad-street fighter skills” threatening to expose their secret identities.
When a blast from the couple’s past resurfaces soon after, seeking a key asset from their final mission, another crack in the facade opens to also expose the Reynolds’ hidden past. This twist propels the couple back into the world of espionage, forcing them to bring an end to their unfinished high-stakes mission, only this time with their unsuspecting kids in tow. Now having to balance their parent life with their past life, Matt and Emily must race against the clock to recover a cyberterrorist weapon before it lands into the wrong hands, and prove to their kids they are not the tragically unhip parents they believe to be.
In the crowded field of action-packed features, this newest spy comedy has all the makings of a great espionage action flick — choreographed action sequences set against a snappy soundtrack of crooner classics and 90s Hip Hop, adrenaline-inducing chase scenes, and a high-tech gadget or two. Unfortunately, the result leaves Back in Action to offer nothing new to the action comedy genre. As of matter of fact, this Mr. And Mrs. Smith-meets-Spy Kids romp around the world is a film we’ve all seen before and can pretty much write our own ending.
Nevertheless, what keeps us from grabbing the remote has to be the on-point comedic chemistry between Diaz and Foxx. The leads’ on-screen dynamic carries the film, resulting in a decent mix of humor and heart. Their banter feels genuine, perfectly capturing the essence of a married couple navigating the trials of parenthood while harboring a secret that could upend their family life. And, while the script is not winning any critics choice awards, anytime soon, the acting duo are, for nothing else, fun to watch.
The film also does its best to balance those more humorous moments with some touching family dynamics, that come into play when Emily’s mom, Ginny, played by the versatile Glenn Close, makes an appearance. The remaining supporting cast also does their part, particularly the kids, played by newcomers McKenna Roberts and Rylan Jackson, who deliver impressive performances as the rebellious daughter and health-conscious son. Their interactions with their well-timed side-eyes, deep sighs, and overall general frustration with parental guidance desperately lacking any type of rizz, actually bring a double-dose of plausibility to the story. No cap.
While some of the comedic beats may feel predictable, at times, they are delivered with such charm that it is easy to forgive. And, though the climax, lacks any real tension, veering dangerously close into cliché territory, Back in Action ultimately strikes a decent balance between action and comedy, delivering an entertaining enough story that is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages.
At its core, Back In Action is nothing more than a fun-filled adventure that reminds us that every family has its secrets—and sometimes those secrets are worth fighting for. But, for those of us who may not get to escape our everyday life to have extraordinary adventures that may or may not impress our skeptical kids, the feature reminds us that sometimes the biggest mission is quite simply just being a parent.
The Netflix original marks the third time Diaz and the Academy Award-winning Foxx have paired up on film. The two last shared screen time in 2014’s Annie, ironically, Diaz’s last film before stepping away to start a family with musician Benji Madden, member of the band Good Charlotte. A little art imitating life, if you will.
Kyle Chandler, Andrew Scott and Jamie Demetriou round out the cast on this family-friendly action comedy, co-written by Seth Gordon and Brendan O’Brien. Back In Action is streaming now on Netflix.
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