Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx’s new action-comedy Back In Action recently debuted on Netflix, marking Diaz’s return to acting after nearly a decade. The film, directed by Seth Gordon, follows Emily (Diaz) and Matt (Foxx), two former CIA agents who leave behind their espionage careers to embrace a quieter life. However, their plans for normalcy are upended when their identities are compromised, forcing them back into the chaos of action and danger. Released on January 17, the film also serves as a comeback for Foxx, who suffered a stroke in 2023.
The reception to Back In Action has been polarizing. Critics have largely panned the film, with its Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score sitting at a disappointing 23% based on 57 reviews. Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times criticized its lack of originality, giving it 2.5 out of 4 stars.
He wrote, “Back In Action follows a distressingly familiar pattern, with every stunt-heavy confrontation accompanied by a needle drop of an old standard.” Despite this, audience reactions tell a different story. The film holds a 63% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, reflecting more favorable reviews from over 500 viewers.
A dynamic duo returns to the big screen
One enthusiastic audience member, Akaycia A, praised the film and defended it against harsh critics. “Why are people such haters? I thought the movie was great,” they wrote. “Nothing groundbreaking, but I loved the character interactions, and more than anything, I was thrilled to see Cameron Diaz back on my screen.” Many fans echoed similar sentiments, celebrating Diaz’s return and her on-screen chemistry with Foxx.
This marks Diaz’s first role since her 2014 film Annie, after which she took a hiatus to focus on her family and business ventures. Speaking about her decision to return, Diaz revealed that the opportunity to reunite with Foxx was a major factor.
“I thought that if I was going to come back and do a movie, the only person I’d come back and do it with would be this guy [Foxx],” she shared in an interview with Empire. She added humorously, “Seriously. I had other opportunities along the way and I was always saying ‘No.’ But Jamie? Oh, I can do a movie with Jamie!“
The film also features an all-star cast, including Glenn Close and Kyle Chandler. While its critical reception has been lukewarm, Back In Action has struck a chord with fans eager to see Diaz and Foxx back in the spotlight.