‘Back In Action’ Review: An Enjoyable Return For Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz has been a fan favorite since she made her acting debut in The Mask, alongside Jim Carrey. A film that I’ve regarded as one of my favourite films of all time. In 2014, Cameron Diaz retired from acting. 11 years later, she makes her return to the spotlight, alongside Jamie Foxx, who was her co-star in her last film, Annie. This return is a huge one, as it’s her first film in so long, but it feels like it’s just easing her back into the world of Hollywood before she stars in one of 2026’s biggest blockbuster films, Shrek 5.

Back in Action follows Emily (Cameron Diaz) and Matt (Jamie Foxx), two former CIA spies who return to the life of espionage as their identities are exposed, putting them and their two kids, Alice (McKenna Roberts) and Leo (Rylan Jackson), in danger.

This Back in Action review was made possible by a screener courtesy of Netflix.

Within the last year, we’ve not only seen a rise in action films but also spy movies and television. Just last year, we got a remake of the Mr. and Mrs. Smith show, which this film loosely takes inspiration from as we follow a couple who are CIA agents. Unlike that show, Back in Action doesn’t really do anything unique to set itself apart from the hundreds of action/comedies that follow this exact formula of a couple returning to action and trying to protect their kids, who they’ve been lying to for years.

Emily struggles to have a good relationship with her daughter, Alice (McKenna Roberts), as she tries to fit in with her and suggests activities that they used to do when she was younger. This plays out exactly how you’d expect it to, with Emily being denied but finally being accepted as the cool mother by the end of the film. Emily seems to be the only character in this film who runs into family drama as she runs into her mother, Ginny (Glenn Close), later on in the film.

Seth Gordon and Brendan O’Brien’s writing here is at its best as we begin to see the generational trauma that Emily has dealt with. It can be quite simple, but it’s effective at explaining the relationship that she’s trying to have with her own daughter. Furthermore, the chemistry between Cameron Diaz, Glenn Close, and McKenna Roberts all feels natural, allowing this all to flow naturally throughout the film.

It doesn’t stop there when it comes to the chemistry. Diaz and Foxx’s chemistry has been strong since they worked together on Annie and even performed some SNL skits together. This chemistry shines brightly in this film, as not only does their love for each other feel genuine, but they’re a humorous pair that helps make this film an enjoyable watch.

Surprisingly, this film has a stacked cast, from Cameron Diaz all the way to Glenn Close, but we also get Andrew Scott, who plays Baron, an agent who’s seen hunting Emily and Matt throughout the film but also a character that jokingly tries to win the heart of Emily. It may just be that he’s British (which the film makes targeted jokes about), but there’s a charm that Scott just brings to every role that he plays, and it follows through here.

Kyle Chandler, soon to be in HBO’s Lanterns, makes an appearance as Chuck, who we get to see as Emily and Matt’s handler in a flashback at the start of the film. Both of these characters feel extremely clichéd in an action/comedy film such as this, and while there’s not much going on for their characters, they do still end up serving their purposes well. Without going into any further detail, the film does begin to play around with their roles, and although the film can be quite predictable in some areas, this at least gave it something new to work with.

It’s in the title of the film. The action in this film holds up really well, and we’re given a slight taste in the beginning as Emily and Matt take down one of the most dangerous terrorists in Eastern Europe. There’s a wide range of fight sequences that all feel different. From a quick fight in a nightclub to a fight in a gas station where the environment is used to get the upper hand. It’s all entertaining to watch as Diaz and Foxx kick ass, making you want more films with them as co-stars.

Back in Action is a great return for Cameron Diaz back into the world of Hollywood. It’s a generic action/comedy story, but Seth Gordon’s direction and writing allow for this to be an enjoyable watch that’s also worth the recommendation. While a lot of the characters feel sidelined for the majority of the movie, including their own kids. There are still small moments hidden in this almost 2-hour runtime that make up for the lack of fully developed characters. If you love Cameron Diaz and want an action-packed film filled with laughs, then this is the film to watch over the weekend as you relax. Just don’t expect too much from it.

Back in Action is directed by Seth Gordon and stars Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, Glenn Close, McKenna Roberts, Rylan Jackson, Kyle Chandler, Andrew Scott, and more. The film releases on Netflix on January 17.

Thanks for reading our Back in Action review. If you enjoyed it, consider checking out our review section and our film section.