Back in Action

 

Netflix’s Back in Action is an action-comedy featuring a star-studded ensemble cast, including Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, Kyle Chandler, and Glenn Close. The film follows former CIA spies Emily and Matt, who have been living undercover with their children. When their identities are exposed, they are forced back into the world of espionage to protect themselves and their family.

The plot was straightforward and easy to follow, making it an enjoyable experience for a casual watch. It did however stick closely to the usual action-comedy formula, so it ended up being pretty predictable. Despite this, the film compensated with quick witted dialogue and a fun, energetic tone that kept me engaged.

One of the film's greatest strengths was the chemistry between the cast, particularly Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz. Foxx’s portrayal of Matt brought a lot charm, while Diaz shined as Emily. She delivered a dynamic performance full of wit and resilience. The duo's on-screen connection elevated the narrative, making their characters' journeys feel authentic and emotionally engaging.

While the protagonists were well-developed, the villains fell short in comparison. They came across as one-dimensional, lacking the complexity needed to make them truly compelling. A bit more effort in fleshing out the antagonists could have added additional depth to the story and heightened the stakes.  

The action sequences were a standout feature, with impressive fight choreography that added excitement to the film. Cameron Diaz deserves special mention for performing many of her own stunts, which showcased her dedication and added authenticity to her action scenes.

In the end, Back in Action was an enjoyable watch that doesn’t demand too much from its audience. It’s a fun, fast-paced film perfect for a relaxed movie night. With its engaging performances and well-crafted action, it’s a solid addition to Netflix’s lineup of original films, even if it leaves some room for improvement in its storytelling.

The Watchers

 

The Watchers, a supernatural horror fantasy film, marks the directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan. Based on A. M. Shine's 2021 novel, the film follows Mina (Dakota Fanning), a 28-year-old artist who becomes trapped in an untamed Irish forest with three strangers, stalked nightly by mysterious creatures.

The film's premise was intriguing, blending elements of Irish folklore into a unique horror narrative while showcasing the breathtaking Irish landscape. However, as critic Katie Rife from AV Club noted, "The Watchers is clearly a first film, with the promise and the problems that come with it." This assessment aptly described the movie’s struggles with pacing issues and underdeveloped characters, making it difficult for me to connect with or root for them.

Ishana Shyamalan's directorial style had a striking resemblance to her father's work, with its eerie atmosphere and signature plot twists. While this familiarity might appeal to fans of M. Night Shyamalan's films, it also raised questions about Ishana's ability to establish her own unique voice as a filmmaker. The nepotism was evident, down to M. Night Shyamalan producing the film. With that being said, some might find it challenging to separate The Watchers from M. Night Shyamalan's works.

Despite its shortcomings, the film did explore interesting themes around personal growth, second chances, and the complexity of being an outsider. The third act featured a well-executed plot twist that, while somewhat predictable, did help to add to the overall narrative.

In the end, Ishana Night Shyamalan's directorial debut showed promise but fell short of being a truly captivating horror experience.