Back in Action has premiered on Rotten Tomatoes, but the initial score reveals a disappointing comeback for Cameron Diaz. Directed by Seth Gordon, this Netflix action-comedy stars Diaz and Jamie Foxx as former CIA agents, Emily and Matt, who are forced back into the world of espionage after their true identities are exposed. This marks Diaz’s return to acting after a decade-long hiatus. However, early reviews suggest that her return may not be as triumphant as fans had hoped.
As the movie begins streaming on Netflix, the Rotten Tomatoes score is taking shape. Currently, Back in Action has a disappointing 25% rating based on 20 reviews, earning it the “Rotten” label. It’s important to note that this score could change as more reviews are added. Audience reviews are still limited, so the Popcornmeter score is yet to emerge. Over the weekend, as more viewers watch the film, the audience score is expected to become clearer.
Cameron Diaz’s previous film, Annie (2014), also had a low Rotten Tomatoes score of 28%, creating an unfortunate trend for her recent projects.
What the Rotten Tomatoes Score Means for Back in Action
Why Critics Are Unimpressed
Early reviews indicate that Back in Action falls into the common trap of Netflix originals—failing to deliver anything fresh or engaging. According to Ferdosa Abdi’s review on Screen Rant, the movie earned a mediocre 5 out of 10 stars. Abdi praised the performances of Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, and Glenn Close but criticized other cast members, like Andrew Scott, for lacking energy.
Abdi also pointed out that the film feels unoriginal and lacks enthusiasm:
“While sometimes engaging, the film still feels deflated because there’s only so much investment being put into making this wholesome family adventure exciting and worthwhile.”
Netflix’s Action Movies: A Mixed Bag
Although Netflix has seen success with titles like Carry-On (2024), Rebel Ridge (2024), and the Extraction series, many of its other action films, including Back in Action, fail to stand out. Movies like Red Notice (2021), Damsel (2024), Atlas (2024), The Gray Man (2023), and Heart of Stone (2024) share similar criticisms: impressive visual effects and big-name actors, but lackluster storytelling.
Despite the poor reviews, these movies often perform well in terms of viewership. Back in Action is likely to follow the same pattern, attracting audiences with its star-studded cast and flashy production.
Our Perspective on Back in Action’s Rotten Tomatoes Score
Netflix Needs to Prioritize Quality
As the leading streaming platform, Netflix has the resources to produce top-notch original content. However, many of its action films seem rushed and rely too heavily on big budgets, star power, and special effects. Back in Action exemplifies this issue.
While the movie will likely draw viewers seeking light entertainment, it’s disappointing that Netflix continues to deliver forgettable films. A better script and more thoughtful production could have turned this movie into a standout hit. For now, it seems Netflix is content with viewership numbers rather than critical acclaim.
Conclusion
Back in Action, despite its high-profile cast and explosive action, struggles to leave a lasting impression. Cameron Diaz’s return to acting, after a decade-long break, deserved a stronger platform. Unfortunately, the film’s poor reception on Rotten Tomatoes highlights the need for Netflix to focus more on quality storytelling rather than flashy production values.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes
