'Back in Action' is a fun, action-packed, but forgettable thriller

Back in Action, an espionage action-comedy is Netflix's first big release of 2025. Does it live up to expectations, or is it a flop? Here's our review! 

Both Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx have a solid history as collaborators. Their previous projects include Any Given Sunday (1999) and Annie (2014). After that, Diaz took a self-imposed hiatus from Hollywood work, before returning alongside Foxx for Netflix's Back in Action.

The movie is an espionage action-comedy that follows married couple Emily (Diaz) and Matt (Foxx) over a decade into their retirement as CIA agents. They live an idyllic life as a nuclear family while struggling to connect with their teenage kids, but their identity eventually comes to light. An incident from their past involving an all-powerful key that has access to all sorts (including nuclear warheads) catches up to them and requires their re-involvement.

Back in Action is predictable but it is entertaining?

This plunges not only Matt and Emily back into the dangerous world of espionage, but also their children. Check out the trailer:

Back in Action is a film that doesn't try to be any more than what it is: a fun, witty, action-packed spy thriller. At being all that, the direction and vision from Seth Gordon is great. 

Both Foxx and Diaz deliver decent performances. They do their best with the, sadly, vapid and bland scripts they receive. The chemistry between them is evident from minute one, and I expected nothing less. Diaz returns to the big screen as Emily, a caring, nurturing mother of two who feels beaten down by normal life and dreams of reliving her thrilling days as a spy. And Foxx plays the cliche 'cool' dad and action-man superbly. I must admit, their performances fully captivated me.

The children, Alice (McKenna Roberts) and Leo (Rylan Jackson) impressed me with their seamless dynamic and natural fit alongside Foxx and Diaz. Their family dynamic, from the generational differences to the raw emotion, was a highlight of the film. But I must say, none of the comedy is particularly novel; I experienced more light chuckles than belly laughs. 

Moreover, I found the plot itself a little hollow, predictable, and forgettable. It feels like a film we've seen a thousand times before. The script lacks creativity and imagination throughout. The villains, namely Chuck (Kyle Chandler), felt a little underdeveloped, and his motivations lacked any cutting edge. 

Other members of the supporting cast shone brightly, notably Emily's estranged mother, Ginny (Glenn Close), and her quirky partner Nigel (Jamie Demetriou). They both add a layer of depth and wit. Their characters well interpreted the social juxtaposition between British and American personalities. 

As for the action sequences, they felt haphazard. The scale is large and grandeur, especially the chase scenes throughout central London, but I wasn't blown away. The creative idea to accompany action sequences with cheesy, predictable music felt largely unnecessary and killed suspense (this is an issue I find with a lot of similar movies). 

Is Back in Action worth watching?

I have my issues with Back in Action. It's by no means a great film. The script lacks imagination, and it's hilariously predictable at times. But, on the other hand, it achieves its goal as a fun popcorn flick. I can't deny that it provided plenty of enjoyment, but whether I go out recommending it to friends, I don't think so.

The film was well-paced, which was a relief given the number of films that outstay their welcome nowadays. And seeing Diaz back on the big screen, especially alongside Jamie Foxx, was an absolute pleasure.

The ending sets up the potential for a sequel, too. If one got made, I'd certainly want to watch it!

 Rating: 3/5

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