Review | Back in Action (Netflix)

“Back in Action delivers a good rush of adrenaline. It’s an entertaining film with good comedy and crazy action-packed scenes. Undoubtedly, Cameron Diaz makes a successful return to acting.”

Cameron Diaz is back in her first starring role since 2014 and for that occasion, she has teamed up with Jamie Foxx again. Back in Action releases today on Netflix.

STORY

(L to R) Jamie Foxx as Matt and Cameron Diaz as Emily in *Back In Action*. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

Back in Action follows the story of Emily and Matt two former CIA spies who have now become parents. Although, they live a peaceful life, they are dragged back by their past when their cover is blown. It’s an intense action-packed film that delivers a good rush of adrenaline from start to finish. Honestly, there is never a dull moment. The film has the right pace all throughout. Even before their cover is blown, it knows how to introduce the family dynamics without feeling it slow compared to the action moments. There’s a good balance between action and humour. Not all the jokes stick the landing but it’s still entertaining enough. In the middle of all this fighting, the story knows when to let its character breathe, allowing the audience to get to know the characters. The plot and twists and turns aren’t nothing new but it’s an action comedy so we are here for the action and on that it works.

CAST

(L to R) Glenn Close as Ginny, Jamie Demetriou as Nigel, Cameron Diaz as Emily and Jamie Foxx as Matt in *Back In Action*. Cr. John Wilson/Netflix © 2024.

It’s been a decade since Cameron Diaz had a starring role as she had decided to take a break from acting. So, it obviously feels great to see her again especially for an action comedy like this one. She had proven with Knight and Day that she knew her way around action films and she has once again done it. Honestly, it feels like she had never taken a break from acting. Diaz and Jamie Foxx have an undeniable on-screen chemistry, these two make quite the couple! They are at their best in terms of comedy during their annoying parents scenes. Foxx is also great in his role. On top of that, Glenn Close is delightfully funny in her role. But one will wonder why didn’t they hire a British actress to play this British character. Dame Helen Mirren would have been a great fit for this role.

VISUALS

(L to R) Jamie Foxx as Matt, McKenna Roberts as Alice, Cameron Diaz as Emily and Rylan Jackson as Leo in *Back In Action*. Cr. John Wilson/Netflix © 2024.

Furthermore, the action scenes in this film are well choreographed and absolutely intense. It’s an action comedy so it doesn’t have to be realistic in every way. Thus, Back in Action is not afraid to go crazy with the situations in which it puts its characters. The opening sequence sets the tone for the kind of stunts you can expect. Congrats to the stunt team and the cast for the hard work they have provided on this film.

However, it’s not a Tom Cruise or Christopher Nolan film, which means that they don’t go as extreme in terms of what they actually do and what is done through CGI. And here, in some scenes the CGI is too visible. You can tell in some scenes that they are acting in front of a green screen. There are not too many scenes like that so they don’t take you out of the film.

VERDICT

Back in Action delivers a good rush of adrenaline. It’s an entertaining film with good comedy and crazy action-packed scenes. Undoubtedly, Cameron Diaz makes a successful return to acting.