Back In Action
Directed by Seth Gordon
★★½
Persons Shown
Glenn Close
Description
Back In Action. Glenn Close as Ginny in Back In Action. Cr. John Wilson/Netflix © 2024.
Production Still Image
7200 x 4800
Credit
John Wilson/Netflix
Copyright
© 2024 Netflix, Inc.
Seth Gordon’s Back In Action marks the return of Cameron Diaz to the big screen after a decade-long hiatus, alongside the ever-charismatic Jamie Foxx. The premise of the film is intriguing enough: Emily and Matt, former CIA spies who left the covert life behind to start a family, are thrust back into the dangerous world of espionage when their cover is blown. On paper, it has all the elements of a compelling action-comedy—high-stakes action, an emotionally resonant family angle, and two seasoned leads with undeniable chemistry. Unfortunately, the final product falls far short of its potential.
One of the film’s highlights is the strong pairing of Diaz and Foxx, whose chemistry leaps off the screen. Their banter and ease with one another bring a spark to the otherwise lackluster script. Diaz’s return to acting is a reminder of her natural charm, while Foxx brings his trademark energy and comedic timing. The supporting cast also delivers moments of levity and intrigue, with Glenn Close lending gravitas to an otherwise thinly written role and Jamie Demetriou delivering some genuinely funny moments that lighten the mood. The cast, at least, seems to be having fun, which is more than can be said for the audience at times.
Where Back In Action falters most egregiously is in its script. Despite a few witty one-liners scattered throughout, the dialogue is clunky, and the plot feels undercooked. The story lacks coherence, with the central narrative—the family being pulled back into espionage—never fully realized. Instead, the film drifts through a series of loosely connected set pieces that feel more like ideas for a better movie rather than a cohesive whole. The stakes never feel as high as they should, and the emotional beats lack the weight needed to anchor the comedy and action.
The action sequences themselves are similarly uneven. While there are a few exciting moments, the choreography and pacing of the scenes are inconsistent, leaving them feeling more chaotic than thrilling. The film seems to be trying to cater to a family-friendly audience, which is a fine choice, but the action lacks the creativity or polish to leave a lasting impression. It’s serviceable at best, but in an era where audiences have seen the heights of action-comedy with films like Spy or Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Back In Action pales in comparison.
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of Back In Action is how much it squanders its potential. With a talented cast and a director like Seth Gordon, who has shown an ability to balance comedy and storytelling in hits like "Horrible Bosses," this film should have been much more than what it is. Instead, it feels rushed, as if it was greenlit on a concept alone without a fully realized vision. The jokes, while occasionally landing, often feel forced, and the overall tone is muddled.
The film’s saving grace, ironically, is its brevity. Clocking in at just over an hour and a half, it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Still, one can’t help but feel that Diaz and Foxx—two immensely talented stars—deserve far better than this middling effort. Back In Action is not a total disaster, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that it could have been so much more. For a film about spies coming out of retirement, it’s sadly lacking in both intrigue and excitement. Instead of a triumphant return for Diaz (ironically coming out of retirement like her character) and a standout addition to Foxx’s filmography, it’s a forgettable outing that struggles to find its footing. In the end, it’s just fine—and in this genre, fine simply isn’t good enough.
