The title “Back in Action” was a no-brainer because a movie with that title just points in the direction of someone who goes back into the field after going off the radar for a while. For this reason, I decided to delay my watching of the movie for as long as I could. I already knew I was going to see it eventually, but I just didn't know when. The time actually came sooner than expected and I'm here to share my thoughts on the movie eight months after its official release.
About The Movie
The movie “Back in Action” starring Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx, is a light-hearted action comedy about a former spy couple who come out of retirement to protect their family and deal with threats linked to a digital weapon that went missing during their last mission.Set after they have settled into suburban life with their children, the film mixes domestic family challenges with action sequences and comedic moments. The big question is; would the couple be able to protect their children from the life they've kept away from them for so many years?
This action comedy film was released on the 17th of January. Directed by Seth Gordon. The film has a runtime of 114 minutes.
My Opinion
This was a fun and silly yet entertaining film although the plot wasn't original. One could tell the end from the beginning but the action sequences and the timely screen appearances of the lead actors made the movie worth watching.
The chemistry between the two lead actors Diaz(as Emily) and Foxx(as Matt) was undeniable. One would think they were an actual couple in reality.Their playful banters and charismatic performances stood out. Also, after spending ten years away from the acting world, Cameron Diaz acted pretty well each time she came on the screen. And that is a big flex.
The action sequences were well choreographed with the fights being fast paced and exciting to watch. The fight between the couple and a group of paid gunmen at a fueling station was one of my favourites. This was the point of the big reveal. Emily and Matt had to fight the bad guys that had surrounded them and for the first time, their children saw them in full swing. This of course led to a truckload of questions and I must say, I like how well the parents handled the situation.
Then there was my favorite character; Glenn Close as Ginny. Ginny was Emily's British estranged mother who was an embodiment of a vicious lady. She didn't appear in many scenes but whenever she did appear, she was mostly the hero of that moment. Ginny was a liberal and very wise character that brought a tinge of excitement to every single scene.
Some of the themes portrayed in this film include family and parenthood, responsibility, love, redemption, teamwork and partnership and identity amongst others. The film portrayed how hard parenting kids, especially teenagers, can be. However, the film went a notch higher to show the best possible ways to always handle certain situations involving teenagers. It was quite insightful.
The ending was action-packed and quite satisfying but this somehow tipped off the viewers about a possible sequel because a villain was still lurking around somewhere, somehow.
Recommendation and Rating
Back in Action is an enjoyable movie perfect for casual movie nights or just for passing time. It may not be a very memorable movie seeing that the plot isn't an original or mind blowing one but the movie is certainly a light-hearted and fun watch. I would give it a 7 out of 10 rating. This movie is recommended for those who like the action comedy genre or those just looking to have an amusing, lightweight experience rather than a complex story.