I Want In-Ear Communication Devices (A Review of Back in Action on Netflix)

I’m not a movie snob. I’m a proud member of the “mass” part of “the masses” and “mass media and entertainment.” So when Netlflix drops a movie with Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx and tells me that movie has fighting, guns, and explosions and at least one funny moment in the preview, I’m in.

This wasn’t a cinematic masterpiece and I wasn’t expecting it to be. The jokes were funny. It was predictable with a small twist on the secret-past plotline. Lots of action and John Wick-esque fight scenes. There’s a double cross and another cross (a triple cross).

4 out 5 Hoorays on Don’s Hooray-O-Meter.

For me, however, the most interesting thing were the miniature in-ear communicators – something quickly becoming my favorite Hollywood cliché. I love them and I want some.

In the opening scene, Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx are on a spy mission and moments before they hop out of their car and walk into a party, a party where they’ll find the enemy, they put tiny in-ear communicators into their ears and immediately start talking to their boss at some far-away headquarters.

We’ve come to expect movie characters can speak to each other clearly and instantly, regardless of location. Unseen in-ear communication devices and flawless connection once only belonged to science-fiction, but nowadays it’s as common as cell phones in movies.

But here’s the thing …nobody I know in real life (IRL) has unseen in-ear communicators. 

I think the Ocean-movies (Ocean’s 11, 12, 13, etc) started this phenomenon. In order for the dialog to happen, all eleven con artists need to speak with each other at all times. From the vault. From the floor of the casino. From the back of a limo. While at a blackjack table. As the plot unfolds and everyone executes his own important part of the plan, George Clooney and Brad Pitt can speak quietly and calmly and talk with everyone all at once. Perfectly clear. No delay or lag.  Often, some central figure is in a van tapped into all the surveillance cameras, too, and it’s like everyone can “see” what’s happening, as well. 

I have a family wedding this summer. I want these unseen in-ear communicators just to see if it’s possible.

Donbe :  “Jimmy …do you have eyes on Mom?”

Jimmy:  “Yes, Dad …she’s getting another Gin & Tonic”

Marylin:  “Oh, boy, here we go.

Mom: “Relax everyone. It’s only my first.”

Ada:  “We’re keeping an eye on you.”

Dad:  “Kathy …what is my cousin’s husband’s name? He’s heading my way like he wants to talk.”

Kathy:  “That would Joe. Dark hair. A little taller than you.”

Don:  “Oh, heeeeey Joe …thanks …good to see you, too …yes …let’s catch up later.  Phew. Thanks, Kathy.”

Kathy: “Not bad for all my gin and tonics.”

Jimmy:  “I’m with Ada. We’re by the cake. Who wants a slice?”

Kathy:  “Me.”

Don: “Oh, yes.”

Marylin:  “Way ahead of ya. I just brought two pieces of cake to Aunt Denise’s table and we’re having cake.”

None of the background noise ever creeps in. Nobody ever says, “what …wha’ ….you go  . . . no you go” in movies. I have AirPods and when I’m talking with someone using my AirPods, we all know.

Movie characters speak as if they’re sitting around a table. And nobody ever looks at them like they’re crazy for talking to themselves, either. If you saw me walking across a room with my chin lowered talking and looking all serious, you’d think I’m really, really weird. 

So what does this have to do with Back In Action … the movie uses the unseen in-ear communication devices a few times and that’s my main takeaway. How have I not noticed this movie cliché before?

Amazon has these for $39. I might try and convince my family to try this.

Life would be better if it was more like the movies. 

Bottom line … I recommend Back in Action and I wish I had in-ear communication devices.