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Netflix’s Back in Action marks the return of Cameron Diaz from her self-imposed acting hiatus, reuniting her with Jamie Foxx for a thrilling new action comedy currently available for streaming. Diaz’s previous cinematic appearance before her break was in a musical adaptation of Annie, sharing the screen with Foxx—a collaboration that traces back even further to their roles in the 1999 film Any Given Sunday.
The 1999 sports drama directed by Oliver Stone served as a significant turning point for both Foxx and Diaz, who were then transitioning from primarily comedic roles into more dramatic performances. The film not only achieved box-office success but also played a crucial role in cementing their capabilities as serious actors in the eyes of audiences and industry professionals.
‘Any Given Sunday’ Is Based on a Novel
Any Given Sunday
Release Date December 22, 1999
Runtime 162 minutes
Main Genre Sport
Directed by Stone, with a screenplay co-written with John Logan, Any Given Sunday is loosely inspired by the 1984 novel On Any Given Sunday by former NFL player Pat Toomay. The narrative centers around the fictional Miami Sharks, a struggling football team under the guidance of Coach Tony D’Amato (played by Al Pacino). As D’Amato ages and grapples with the evolving dynamics of the sport, the team’s owner and general manager, Christina Pagniacci (Diaz), is more focused on financial prospects and budding talent. This includes an untested quarterback, Willie Beamen (Foxx), who is thrust into the spotlight when their star quarterback Jack Rooney (Dennis Quaid) is sidelined due to injury.
Christina faces pressure to part ways with the legendary but injury-prone Jack, while Tony must manage a difficult season amidst the shifting politics influenced by Beamen’s rising stardom. Alongside Pacino, the film features a notable ensemble cast, including James Woods, LL Cool J, and Ann-Margret, illustrating the various facets of the football ecosystem and its players’ struggles.
Jamie Foxx Had Never Played Drama Before ‘Any Given Sunday’
Before his role in Any Given Sunday, Foxx had built his reputation through comedy, notably on the sketch series In Living Color, which debuted in 1991. His comedic talents continued to flourish in sitcoms and films such as The Jamie Foxx Show, Booty Call, and Held Up. However, his casting in Stone’s film marked his opportunity to stretch beyond comedy and showcase his dramatic abilities.
Initially, the role of Willie Beamen was intended for Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, who had to withdraw amid doubts about his football skills. Will Smith also turned down the part, as did Cuba Gooding Jr., leading to Foxx ultimately securing the audition. Stone’s demanding nature during Foxx’s audition pushed the actor to deliver a performance that exceeded his prior endeavors.
At the 2012 Comic-Con for Django Unchained, Foxx fondly recalled Stone’s tough love approach, asserting that the director went to great lengths to challenge him and uncover his potential. Foxx mentioned how Stone urged him to refine his delivery and work on his performance.
This rigorous process was worthwhile, as Foxx applied his comedic flair to the egocentric Beamen, who evolves from a benchwarmer to a celebrated star. His character’s arrogance is humorously illustrated in a musical piece titled “My Name is Willie.” Nevertheless, a key dramatic moment between Beamen and Pacino’s character addresses themes of racial inequality, highlighting Foxx’s capability to convey depth against a seasoned co-star, marking a crucial moment in his career.
Cameron Diaz Holds Her Own Against the Likes of Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday
Diaz also impresses in her interactions with Pacino, proving she can hold her own in high-stakes confrontations. Prior to Any Given Sunday, her performances were generally in lighter romantic comedies, with hits like The Mask and There’s Something About Mary. However, in 1999, alongside this film and Being John Malkovich, she showcased her talent in more serious roles.
In one memorable exchange, Diaz confronts Pacino’s character, demonstrating her authority as the team’s owner. Her portrayal of Christina Pagniacci showcases a strong woman navigating a male-dominated milieu, while simultaneously revealing the vulnerabilities tied to inheriting a legacy in a challenging environment. Critics noted Diaz’s strong performance, commending her ability to engage in quarrels with Pacino that rank as some of the film’s standout moments.
Diaz’s character reflects the struggles of proving herself in a “boys’ club,” culminating in revealing moments with her on-screen mother, which add emotional depth to the character. This film was a significant leap for both actors, paving the way for future accolades; Foxx later won an Oscar for Ray, while Diaz achieved critical acclaim and box office success across various genres. Any Given Sunday is available for rent on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Google Play, while Back in Action is currently streaming on Netflix.
Source
movieweb.com