Emily and Matt, a formidable couple of international spies who, after successfully completing numerous missions together, have now settled down to start a family. Fifteen years after their last assignment, they find their peaceful life shattered when Matt’s past comes back to haunt them. A USB drive containing sensitive data that he had kept hidden is now being sought after by a group of Belarusian terrorists, putting their family in danger. With their children in tow, the two spies must spring back into action to protect their loved ones.
BACK IN ACTION, THE REVIEW: WHOEVER DOESN’T DIE, RETURNS
A quick prologue that seems like a poor copy of the great opening of True Lies (1994) introduces us to a film that, from its first moments, does not hide its lighthearted essence. This light-hearted tone might be appealing to a certain type of audience that can easily skip the viewing once they understand the overall vibe of the film.
Back in Action has been able to capitalize on the media frenzy surrounding Cameron Diaz’s return to the big screen, after her last appearance in Annie – Happiness is Contagious (2014), where she coincidentally shared the set with Jamie Foxx, her co-star in this film. The charisma of the two actors is potentially the only point of interest in a product that lacks any real substance, recycling a well-worn imagery without conviction.
OF EVERYTHING AND MORE IN BACK IN ACTION
When ideas are lacking, the solution often used by directors and screenwriters is to pile on more. In Back in Action, there is no shortage of increasingly exaggerated and unnecessarily spectacular action sequences, with car chases, boat chases, parachute jumps from planes, shootouts, and hand-to-hand combat that should offer variety but instead feel like a tired rehash of familiar scenes, shot without originality.
Likewise, there is a diverse and versatile cast that includes alongside the lead duo faces of excellence such as Andrew Scott, Kyle Chandler, and even Glenn Close in the unlikely role of a feisty spy grandmother. Not that much was expected from Seth Gordon, more at ease in purely comedic phases – as seen in Horrible Bosses (2011) – but less adept at more spectacular productions, as demonstrated in the failed Baywatch reboot (2017).
For a film that has already captured the tastes of the streaming audience, as evidenced by its climb to the top of the most-viewed titles list, it is unlikely to be remembered by anyone in a few months.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The algorithm’s law spares no one, and even Cameron Diaz, returning to the screen after over ten years, must contend with disposable productions made by Netflix. Back in Action is – as the title promises – a predictable and uninspiring action-comedy, with the classic family dynamics mixed with spy elements allowing for exceptional guest stars.
A tired and recycled narrative intertwining with uninspired action scenes and lackluster fight choreography make for nearly two hours of fleeting entertainment, lacking substance and not even that bright on the surface.