Cameron Diaz makes her highly anticipated return to the big screen with the Netflix original film 'Back in Action,' which stars her alongside Jamie Foxx as two spies who trade thrilling adventures for mundane suburban life. After more than ten years out of the limelight, Diaz's comeback is noteworthy, but many reviewers are left wondering if the film showcases her talents adequately.
Set initially 15 years prior to the film's central timeline, 'Back in Action' introduces us to Emily (Diaz) and Matt (Foxx), who are undercover agents tasked with securing a dangerous digital key capable of controlling city power grids. Their investigation takes them down treacherous paths, but as Emily discovers her pregnancy mid-mission, they decide to fake their deaths to start fresh as civilians.
Fast forward to the present, and we find Emily and Matt living the idyllic family life with their teenage daughter, Alice (played by Mckenna Roberts), and younger son, Leo (Rylan Jackson). This quiet existence, filled with soccer games and suburban challenges, is abruptly interrupted when old foes resurface, forcing the family back from retirement and thrusting them back under the spotlight as they try to reclaim their cool personas and protect their children.
Critics have been quick to point out the film's struggles with pacing and character development. Although it showcases high-octane action and impressive stunt choreography, it lacks depth. Many described the narrative as formulaic, with predictable plots and uninspired jokes failing to land. For example, one reviewer noted, "The spy plot is so comically simplistic, generic, and unengaging, there's no real excitement or surprise to be had." This sentiment is echoed by others who point out the lack of authentic emotional stakes, with character motivations feeling flimsy.
Other aspects of the film have also drawn criticism, especially its failure to fully commit to either family-oriented or adult themes. According to one critic, the film is reminiscent of 'Spy Kids' but lacks the charm and clever writing needed for it to captivate audiences of all ages. Reviewers have expressed confusion over who exactly the film is intended for, describing it as “trying to appeal to everyone but failing to resonate with anyone.”
While the action sequences are deemed competent, elements such as dialogue and character development seem to fall flat. Diaz's return, particularly, highlights the actress’s undeniable charisma; her comedic timing and physicality shine through even when the script appears to hold her back. One critic stated, "Cameron Diaz may have taken a decade away from appearing in movies, but her dance moves are just as we remembered — confident, dorky, and adorable." Yet others lamented the potential of Diaz and Foxx, noting the stars' comedic chemistry does little to lift the weight of the screenplay. Critics also pointed out how, at times, the film's attempts at humor fell short, noting it often felt too scripted or reliant on dated tropes.
Supporting performances have also been mentioned, particularly those of Glenn Close as Emily’s mother and Andrew Scott as her rival spy, both of whom add dimension but suffer from underwritten roles. Despite these issues, many still managed to find enjoyment by viewing the film through the lens of nostalgia, appreciating its echoes of 90s rom-coms with action filler.
The overall takeaway from early reviews is mixed; viewers might find enjoyment from the film's nostalgic elements and action sequences but will likely walk away longing for something meatier and more meaningful. With Netflix primed to be the home of diverse storytelling, 'Back in Action' appears to be caught somewhere between generational appeal and modern execution.
'Back in Action' is set to launch on Netflix on January 17 and, as audiences tune in, many will no doubt watch closely to see if Diaz's comeback lives up to the hype or simply reinforces concerns about the predictability of streaming content.