Mega-Star back with first movie in 10 years is already Netflix’s biggest new hit

According to Jonathan Klotz
| Published 12 seconds ago

Cameron Diaz is finally back in film, ending her 10-year hiatus from acting, and it’s easy to forget that she left when she was at her peak as one of Hollywood’s highest-grossing stars. In a world where it’s common for stars and athletes to stay too long, it’s commendable that Diaz decided to take her money, invest in businesses she believed in, and choose to live the life she wanted. But now he’s back alongside one of his best friends, Jamie Foxx back in action a Netflix action comedy that would be completely forgettable if it weren’t for Diaz.

Cameron Diaz is back

Back in action would be lost in the middle of the sea Netflix originals without the added spotlight from Diaz’s return. While Matt and Emily married ex-spies living under false identities while raising their children, Foxx and Diaz shine in what is essentially Mr. and Mrs. Smith if they had a healthy relationship. After performing at a nightclub, the couple’s cover is blown and they begin a race to restore the Industrial Control System (or ICS, which remains a fun way to spell “Mcguffin”) while keeping their children safe.

The pair are joined by the always adorable Kyle Chandler and Glenn Close, which is not a reprisal of her character from Red but it could also be because she was once again given a sniper rifle and a license to kill. It’s amazing that the cast isn’t stocked with A-list stars from top to bottom, but with the way Back in Action ends, it’s clear that Netflix already has plans for a sequel. Whether that’s a good thing depends entirely on how you feel about old-school action comedies.

Cameron Diaz is still a star

Back in action it suffers from being a Netflix movie, with the same standard awkward lighting in every scene and the need for characters to actively talk about what they’re doing in case someone isn’t actually watching the movie but has it on as noise on background. Compared to Red alertthe streamer’s other stellar spy adventure, Foxx and Diaz’s caper is easily better, but it’s just as fluffy and inconsequential. There’s no weight to the stakes, and everyone might as well be winking at the camera while delivering goofy techno-babble about ICS, but being the number one film since its debut, it’s clear it’s found its audience.

It has held the top spot as Netflix’s most popular movie since its debut, Back in action it’s unoriginal, filled with barely sketched characters, the flimsiest of villain motivations, cheap-looking special effects, and yet it’s a total blast. It is similar to u The Rush Hour Trilogy in that the charm and star power of the leads elevates the rest of the film. Cameron Diaz hasn’t lost a step and at the age of 52, she could have a second venture in Hollywood as successful as the first.

If it came out 10 years ago, Back in action would have been in theaters, but during Diaz’s hiatus, the entertainment landscape has changed, and Netflix originals have the budget and star power of major theatrical releases. Most movie fans will agree that it’s not a change for the better, and as fun as it is to see Cameron Diaz again, you can’t help but wonder if we’re missing out on something special. 46.8 million people have already seen the film on Netflix, so despite the lackluster launch, it’s still a huge hit.

You can judge for yourself and enjoy old fashioned action comedy romps via streaming Back in action today on Netflix.