Back in Action has an appealing pair of leads and a promising combination of family trouble and espionage. Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx make it watchable, but the screenplay does not fully use what they bring.
Emily and Matt have left their dangerous professional lives behind for a suburban family existence. When their past returns, they face enemies alongside questions about parenting, loyalty and their relationship. The setup offers more potential than the increasingly predictable story delivers.
Diaz retains her charm and screen presence after a long break from films. Foxx balances humor and seriousness reliably, and their chemistry lifts several scenes. The supporting cast is also strong: Glenn Close brings authority to Emily's mother, while Kyle Chandler is confined to a more stereotypical part.
Seth Gordon handles dynamic action and some pointed exchanges well. The action does not always fit the family material naturally, though, and weaker dialogue undercuts both the humor and the emotion. Changes in tone become a problem rather than a productive contrast.
For me, this is solid but unmemorable entertainment. The leads are the attraction, and their return together provides enjoyable moments. A clearer direction and a more polished script would have made the combination of spy thriller and family comedy much more satisfying.