Cameron Diaz returns to film in ‘Back in Action,’ but the movie falls flat with weak dialogue and a lackluster plot.
The film kicks off with Diaz and Jamie Foxx as Emily and Matt, who were once elite spies. They’ve traded in their spy gear for a suburban life, coaching soccer and selling puzzles on Etsy. The story starts with a flashback to their last mission, which is kind of a mess. They steal something from a crime lord and then, boom, terrorists attack. They’re presumed dead and decide to disappear to raise their kid.
But here’s the thing: the opening doesn’t really give us a feel for their relationship or who they are. It’s just a bunch of quippy lines and some cheesy moments. Fast forward to their normal life getting turned upside down when they’re caught on tape fighting some guys while picking up their daughter from a club.
They then go on a wild adventure to retrieve the stolen key from Emily’s mom, played by Glenn Close. The film throws in some familiar spy tropes and family drama, but it all feels pretty predictable. There’s a bit of a twist, but it’s not enough to save the day.
The fight scenes are fun to watch, especially when Diaz and Foxx team up to take down some bad guys. But the music choices during those scenes are a bit odd, trying to create a romantic vibe that just doesn’t land.
In the end, “Back in Action” is a letdown for Diaz’s return. It’s a decent pick for a Friday night when you’re just looking to chill, but don’t expect much more than that. The movie is streaming now on Netflix.
