“Back in Action,” directed by Seth Gordon, is a domestic spy comedy that struggles to find its footing amidst a barrage of formulaic action and humor. Starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz as CIA operatives who have turned into a romantic couple, the film begins with a rather contrived setup: attending a children’s birthday party thrown by a cyberterrorist from Belarus, where they quickly get exposed and must escape from the villain’s mansion with a series of over-the-top, cartoonish brawls. The action sequences, accompanied by ironic classics from Frank Sinatra and Etta James, aim to juxtapose violence with lightheartedness but ultimately feel hollow and uninspired.
After an explosive plane heist that sees them ambushed by flight attendants, Matt (Foxx) and Emily (Diaz) decide to fake their own deaths and lead normal suburban lives. However, they are drawn back into the spy world when their teenage daughter, Alice, becomes involved with questionable company. To rescue her, they resort to questionable tactics, which inadvertently showcase their past lives as spies on social media, further complicating their new quiet existence.
The plot appears thin and relies heavily on action over storytelling, reminiscent of the overblown dynamics of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” but stripped of any intellectual depth. Instead, it hinges on Foxx and Diaz’s chemistry as they navigate a world filled with overconfident characters, failing to deliver the clever wit and thrill that could elevate the narrative beyond its superficial vibe.
Interestingly, the film gains a moment of respite when Glenn Close enters as Emily’s British mother, a former spy herself, adding a whimsical flair to the otherwise chaotic proceedings. Her character brings a refreshing dynamic, especially through her relationship with her much younger lover, who struggles with the digital challenges of modern espionage, providing a moment of levity in a script that often feels bogged down by its own machismo.
Overall, while “Back in Action” may not break new ground in the spy genre, it offers a light adventure meant temporarily to entertain. Though critics are left wanting more depth and sophistication, the chemistry between the leads and a few standout moments manage to keep the film from being entirely forgettable. There’s always potential for hopeful sequels or spin-offs that could incorporate more of the cleverness and charm missing in this installment.