Back in Action, released on Netflix on Jan. 17, 2025, is a fun and entertaining action-comedy that reunites Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz.
The film follows two former CIA agents Matt (Foxx) and Emily (Diaz), now living in suburban obscurity, who are forced to return to their old lives when their secret identities are exposed.
After they come out of retirement, they are tasked with finding the Key, known as the Industrial Control Systems (ICS), a device that can control any electronic systems and worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the highest bidder in search of world power.
The film delivers plenty of laughs with its witty banter, over-the-top action sequences, and the unexpected comedic chemistry between Foxx and Diaz. While the plot may not be groundbreaking, Back in Action is a pure entertainment spectacle that will keep audiences engaged from start to finish.
Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz in Back in Action (Photo/Netflix)
Glenn Close stars as Ginny Curtis, Emily’s mother, who lives at a castle in London and was once a MI6 spy herself.
Kyle Chandler (The Wolf of Wall Street) plays Chuck, Matt and Emily’s former boss at the CIA, who alerts them that their covers have been blown.
McKenna Roberts and Rylan Jackson play Alice and Leo, Matt and Emily’s children.
Previous Films with Foxx and Diaz
The two actors reunited for Back in Action following their appearances in Any Given Sunday in 1999 and Annie in 2014.
Foxx was establishing himself as an actor when Oliver Stone’s gridiron film was released and Diaz has not appeared in a film since Annie.
Reception for Back in Action
Pete Hammond gave the film a favorable review on Deadline Hollywood, saying “this spy action comedy feels derivative as we have seen from Mr. And Mrs. Smith to Jason Bourne (as the film itself references)” and added “just go with it. The stars are having fun, so why shouldn’t we too. It is the kind of movie that can play globally, and you know Netflix loves that.”
Ty Burr, his review for The Washington Post, said “There’s just enough bite there to give the stars something to work with, and Diaz especially responds with the joy of the well-rested.”
Wrap Up
Back in Action is a solid addition to the action-comedy genre. It’s a fun and entertaining film that’s perfect for fans of Mr. and Mrs. Smith (starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie), Knight and Day (starring Diaz and Tom Cruise) and The Family Plan starring Mark Wahlberg.
