CinemaBlind’s Review: 50%
Back in Action is one of the most Netflix films out of all the Netflix films on Netflix. By this, I mean that it has nothing that will inspire you to keep your eyes on the screen, but it isn’t bad to keep it in the background.
Directed by Seth Gordon, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Brendan O’Brien, the Netflix spy action comedy-drama film revolves around former CIA spies Emily and Matt, who gave up their life of action and adventure to raise a family but are pulled back into the action after their secret identities are exposed.
Back in Action could’ve been a fun espionage action romp, but it neither has the charm of True Lies nor the bombastic action of, well, True Lies. Everything in the film feels low effort from its by the numbers story to its painfully obvious twist, action is fine though.
Everybody in the film gives it their bare minimum when it comes to the performances. Even the extremely charming duo of Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx couldn’t make this script fun to watch or compelling. Don’t even get me started on the criminal underuse of the always-brilliant Andrew Scott, whose character seems to be written by a child. The only bright spot in the whole film is the hilarious relationship between Glenn Close and Jamie Demetriou‘s characters.
From its not-so-original story to its borderline annoying characters, Back in Action is not a very good movie, but at the end of the day, there are a few fun action set pieces, and it was kind of nice to see Foxx and Diaz in their badass avatars.
In conclusion, if you liked Red Notice or The Gray Man, then this one is just fine for you, but if you want to watch something better, just watch True Lies again or check out Netflix’s brilliant action thriller film Carry-On.