Directed by Seth Gordon, Back in Action is a 2025 action-comedy caper that feels as if it were assembled from a half-dozen familiar spy movies, with a dash of family sitcom thrown in for good measure. Starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz, who came out of retirement for this film, and who reunite after a long hiatus from the genre, the film isn’t short on star power, but what it lacks is much that’s new or wildly original. As a family-friendly caper, it seeks to blend the adrenaline-fueled rush of spy action with the antics of parenthood. Unfortunately, its cute moments tend to undermine what could have been an otherwise exhilarating ride. The plot, as expected, delivers few surprises. The film kicks off with Emily (Diaz) and Matt (Foxx), two super-spies who are in the midst of a dangerous mission to steal something that could trigger a global catastrophe. Before a fight mid-air that lands them parachuting to safety, one of the twists arrives: Emily is pregnant, and Matt is the father. The duo promptly vows to retire from the spy business for good and settle down in the suburbs. Cut to 15 years later, and their two young children; clueless about their parents’ former lives; are blissfully unaware that they’re the progeny of international assassins. When their daughter gets into trouble at a nightclub, the family is thrust back into the action, and soon enough, they’re on the run from an assortment of cartoonish villains.
While the premise might promise a blend of thrilling chases and family dynamics, the execution feels flatter than anticipated. The comedy, written by Gordon (Horrible Bosses) and Brendan O’Brien (who co-wrote Neighbors and its sequel), is often charming but rarely uproarious. The interactions between the family, particularly between Foxx and Diaz, are mildly amusing, but the humor tends to be as safe as the action scenes themselves. If anything, the film would have benefitted from more sharpness in its jokes or greater risk in its action sequences. Instead, the entire affair often feels like it’s treading water, more concerned with delivering soft chuckles than eliciting the genuine thrills a spy film should offer. Where Back in Action succeeds, however, is in the casting of Jamie Demetriou as Emily’s estranged mother’s (Glenn Close) hilariously awkward young lover, Nigel. Reminiscent of a talking Mr. Bean, Nigel’s bumbling but endearing antics are, by far, the highlight of the film. His performance offers the rare moments of genuine comic gold in an otherwise predictable affair. It’s a shame his character doesn’t appear more often, as his antics could have elevated the material significantly if given more screen time. As it stands, he’s an island of wit in a sea of mediocrity.
WATCH BACK IN ACTION ON NETFLIX
Foxx and Diaz, while clearly still in fighting shape, deliver performances that feel more nostalgic than innovative. The action sequences, although competently choreographed, are about as risky as a PG-rated movie. The stakes, too, feel artificially low, as if the filmmakers were unwilling to commit to truly dangerous or thrilling moments. What’s left are scenes that look as though they were designed for families to watch together, rather than for anyone actually hoping for the kind of high-octane thrills that spy movies usually promise. Despite the film’s effort to inject heart and humor into the spy genre, its formulaic plot, lackluster action, and predictable twists make it difficult to fully invest in the story. There’s a certain charm in its execution, but it’s ultimately a far cry from the kind of high-octane entertainment one might expect from a movie that features a pair of retired super-spies. It’s hard to shake the feeling that, for all its effort to balance action with family comedy, Back in Action falls short of both.
In the end, the film isn’t without its merits; mostly in the form of Demetriou’s delightful performance; but it’s a movie that feels more suited to background viewing than a full-throttle theater experience. For those looking to pass the time while doing chores or simply seeking lighthearted, undemanding entertainment, Back in Action will suffice. But for anyone hoping for a return to the glory days of action-packed capers, this one leaves a little too much on the table.