Back in Action (2025) Review

Currently streaming on Netflix is the movie Back in Action. The movie was released on Netflix on January 17, 2025.

Cameron Diaz returns to our screens after about 11 years. Her last film was Annie in 2014.

The film is directed by Seth Gordon, whose movies include Four Christmases, Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief, and Baywatch.

The movie is rated PG-13. There’s some violence, suggestive references, and strong language.

The Premise and Cast

Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx star as Emily and Matt, former CIA agents who are reluctantly pulled back into the world of espionage after their identities are exposed.

We first meet Matt and Emily 15 years earlier while they are on a mission. They were working to get a key, a piece of technology that was supposed to unlock any system in the world.

While trying to prevent some nefarious people from obtaining the key, they find out that they were double crossed. Shortly after, the plane they were on crashes, but they survived.

Prior to this, Emily found out she was pregnant with Matt’s baby.

When the plane crashes they decide to use the opportunity to go off the grid and start a family, leaving their lives as spies behind since everyone would think they died on the plane.

Fast forward to 15 years, we see that they are raising the child who is now a 14-year-old girl, and have also since had another child. They are living this suburban life in Atlanta.

One day, their daughter (Alice), using a fake id, goes to a club with some of her friends. They find out about it head over to the club, a fight breaks out and they end up being filmed and posted online.

The footage exposes their identities, drawing the attention of their former CIA boss, played by Kyle Chandler, who warns them their cover is blown. As he is talking to them, he is shot at their front door by some unknown men.

Matt reveals to Emily that he kept the key all those years and that’s what the men are after. The rest of the movie is them trying to figure out how to get out of this and return to their normal lives.

If you are Cameron Diaz fan, you would definitely love seeing her back on your TV. Personally, I am very happy to see her acting again. It was also great to see Jamie Foxx after his health scare.

Both actors performed well given the script they had to work with. I am not sure more could have been done with this.

Rylan Jackson and McKenna Roberts play Leo and Alice respectively, the children of Matt and Emily.

Other casts members include Glenn Close, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Andrew Scott, Robert Besta, and Jamie Demetriou.

What I Liked About the Movie Back in Action

The best part of the movie for me was seeing Cameron Diaz. I liked seeing Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx together.

There were some funny parts, but a lot of the movie was very predictable. You knew exactly where the movie was going.

There were a few curveballs with the kids, those played off very well but ultimately there were no surprises.

I think the movie gets a little more interesting because they are an interesting family.

What I Didn’t Like

It’s a little played out to have movies with the young teenage daughter who always gets herself in trouble and then the really Nerdy younger brother. The actors do a nice job, so this isn’t the fault of the cast.

Some parts of the movie where giving The Incredibles vibe without the superpowers, which isn’t necessarily a good or bad thing.

Final Thoughts on Back in Action

It’s a feel-good movie. Something you can watch on a relaxing Friday.

I am not sure how I feel about them hinting at a sequel. I would like to see Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx again, but I am not sure this storyline should be what they stick with.