Oof! Back in Action is no swan song, that’s for sure. Let me be clear—when it comes to Netflix originals, I know to manage my expectations. But with two A-list stars, Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz, headlining, you’d think it would count for something. Sadly, it doesn’t. Let’s break it down.
The Comedy
There are moments of sharp humor here and there. For instance, when Matt (Jamie Foxx) tells his wife Emily (Cameron Diaz), “It’s crazy good that we can still listen to Michael Jackson’s music, right?” she responds, “Yeah, as long as we don’t think too hard about it.” That’s a solid zinger! Unfortunately, the jokes often feel disconnected from the scenes, and the storyline doesn’t always complement the humor. For every laugh, there are several jokes that fall flat.
The Characters
This is where things start to unravel. Matt and Emily go from smashing bad guys’ heads to being so terrified of their daughter, Alice (McKenna Roberts), that they can’t even take her phone away. These two are former spies who’ve maintained complex identities and navigated high-stakes missions, yet they struggle to keep track of the lies they’ve told their kids about their pasts. It’s hard to buy into their dynamic when the writing undermines their backstory. And their chemistry? It feels forced and unconvincing, which makes it tough to connect with them as a couple.
The Action
Good action choreography is an art, and this film gets it right in a place or two. There are some fun, well-executed sequences. But the constant emphasis on synchronized, over-the-top fights between Emily and Matt—like some kind of martial arts dance—pushes it too far. Do it once and let it wow us. Doing it repeatedly? It feels forced and ridiculous.
The Bright Spot
If there’s one thing Back in Action gets right, it’s the soundtrack. The music is a highlight, featuring familiar, high-energy tracks that fit the action vibe perfectly. Whoever curated it deserves major credit. Honestly, you’re better off just listening to the soundtrack and skipping the film altogether.
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