Review: Back in Action marks Cameron Diaz’s long-awaited return to acting after nearly a decade away. Pairing her with Jamie Foxx, her co-star from Annie and Any Given Sunday, the film highlights their strong on-screen chemistry. While their performances bring a sense of fun and charm, the movie doesn’t quite rise above its predictable premise and well-trodden genre conventions. What begins as a playful family drama quickly shifts gears into an over-the-top action adventure, complete with international chases, fight scenes, and an implausible plot revolving around a stolen “master key” that could threaten global security. The opening sequence sets the tone with a high-octane flashback featuring plane crashes and midair combat, but the excitement fizzles as the story becomes increasingly formulaic.
The film’s strongest asset is its cast. Diaz shines as Emily, bringing both energy and comedic timing to her role. It’s clear that she’s relishing her return to the screen, and her playful banter with Foxx is one of the movie’s highlights. Foxx, ever charismatic, balances the humour and physicality required of his role, though his character often feels like a rehash of similar action-comedy leads. Glenn Close adds a touch of class and humour as Emily’s estranged mother, Ginny, a retired MI6 agent with her own secrets. Her scenes, particularly those involving her eccentric younger boyfriend Nigel (Jamie Demetriou), lean into slapstick but are nonetheless entertaining.
Director Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses) keeps the film moving briskly, with one action sequence after another, from suburban car chases to elaborate fights set in London landmarks. These scenes are undeniably fun but lack originality, and the reliance on retro pop hits during the action montages grows repetitive. While the humour occasionally lands—especially in moments where the couple’s spy skills surprise their kids—much of it feels forced or predictable. Watching the children come into their own during moments of crisis adds a layer of charm, though their character arcs are fairly shallow.
While it occasionally delivers witty dialogue and clever moments, the narrative relies too heavily on clichés and lacks the sharpness needed to elevate it above mediocrity. The stakes never feel exceptionally high, and the final act dissolves into a predictable series of twists and resolutions that fail to surprise. In many ways, the movie feels like a throwback to early-2000s action comedies—fun but largely forgettable. Its blend of nostalgia and family-friendly humour will likely appeal to audiences looking for light entertainment, but it doesn’t bring anything new to the table. Diaz and Foxx do their best to infuse life into the material, but even their undeniable charm can’t fully compensate for the film’s lack of originality.
