The Stream: a bit predictable and corny at times

The Big Screen: Nice fight sequences and comedic family writing for adults

The Final Bill: A nice family action flick that just predictable enough

– Trip Fontaine and S2S
Director: Seth Gordon
Writers: Seth Gordon and Brendan O’Brien
Stars: Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, McKenna Roberts, Rylan Jackson, Kyle Chandler, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou
Genre: Action, Comedy
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some suggestive references and strong language, and brief teen partying
Runtime: 1 hour 42 minutes
Production Companies: Good One Productions, Chernin Entertainment, Exhibit A
Platform: On Netflix January 17, 2025

Hey, Streamers! When these cold winter months come around, it is hard to get it together to leave the home. Luckily, Netflix is bringing the big stars and its big budget right to your home. Back in Action released this weekend starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz as married former spies drawn back into action. Matt (Foxx) and Emily (Diaz) are former CIA operatives, who chose to leave their dangerous jobs in order to have a quiet life as a suburban family. When their covers are blown, Matt, Emily and their children have to kick butt and take names in order to reclaim their safe domestic life. Globe-hopping and key-finding hijinks ensue.

Here’s the thing: Back in Action is a predictable action flick, but it’s also fun. Yes, you will know everything that happens before it goes down, but that’s not always a bad thing. In this instance, the real reason to see this movie is to enjoy Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz back on screen together. They do not disappoint. They have easy, charming chemistry. There are funny moments where they play off each other. They also deliver in their action sequences. It’s fun, mindless entertainment. Additionally, Glenn Close and Jamie Demetriou bring laugh out loud moments of their own. There is a good balance of action and comedy in this movie, which is enough to make up for the lackluster and ridiculous plot.

I will note again that the plot is basic and predictable. It would be great if there was a better screenplay for Foxx and Diaz, but they overcome the limitations of what’s here. The children are annoying and useless. That seems to happen a lot in movies like this. Lastly, the visual effects are not good. There are times when the backdrop looks silly and cheap. Those are the unfortunate drawbacks for some of these Netflix movies. Yet, none of that would stop Mr from coming back for more, if they made a sequel.

Ultimately, Back in Action delivers exactly what its title promises: Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz back and action. It is an entertaining diversion in these cold winter months. Foxx and Diaz have good chemistry and there are enough funny moments and ridiculous action sequences to keep you engaged for its runtime. Gather the family and a big box of popcorn for this worthwhile streaming action-comedy.