BOTTOM LINE
Double Action Dose
OUR RATING
2.75/5
PLATFORM
Netflix
What Is the Film About?
In Extraction 2, a direct continuation of the events of part one, Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth) is sent on a new mission to rescue Ketevan, his ex-wife’s sister. What makes the operation dangerous? Did Rake successfully finish it is the movie’s plot.
Performances
Chris Hemsworth delivers once again in a tailor-made role for his personality. He is terrific in action sequences, effortlessly pulling off different styles of stunts. He looks all bloody and sweaty but gives a vibe of breaking no sweat while doing all that.
Apart from the usual action, some fun and emotional bits are also incorporated into the part. Chris Hemsworth does them with ease as well. Given the ending, it looks like Extraction 2 won’t be the end of all the action and fun for the star.
Analysis
Sam Hargrave, previously a stuntman, directs Extraction 2. He is also behind the first part and knows the world and the plot’s requirements inside out.
Extraction is basically a video game with a simple plot and neatly placed action blocks to drive the narrative. The ‘action’ is what the movie is all about, but it still needs a framework to hold it together, which is done well here.
If one has seen Extraction Part One, it is easy to guess how the second part will progress. The opening stretch is the only difference between the two, whereas the rest follows the same formula. So, Rake is assigned a new mission that puts him under extraordinary circumstances to pull it off.
Extraction 2 is about three action blocks. The first two are lengthy ones covering most of the film’s run time. Therefore, they must work out superbly, and that’s precisely what the team delivers.
The Jail action set piece is breathtaking. The chaos of the place has been neatly integrated into the whole sequence, and things only escalate from one level to the next as it progresses. By the end of the entire thing, it feels as if the action scene alone is worth the time spent watching the movie.
But there is more, and that’s where Extraction 2 leaves the mark. The second action set piece happens in a hotel. It is another massively assembled block. However, the slight dramatic tension between the two action blocks helps escalate the tensions.
No matter how good an action block is, when there are no stakes in the place, it feels flat or disconnected to the viewer. It is as if watching a beautiful but lifeless painting. Extraction 2 team does well not to fall into that trap, and this undercurrent emotion, however small, makes it a little better than the first one.
The final action block is not as big as the first two. But, the emotions and intensity behind the whole thing cover up for it. The fight is raw and gory, with an adequate amount of drama built into it.
As said at the start, the plot is action heavy. Hollywood comes up with such simple stories to pack great action moments together from time to time. Here in Extraction, it is the John Wick variety.
Overall, Extraction 2 is bigger and better than Extraction 1 on both the action and drama counts. The plot remains thin, but the former does the trick with energy and thrill. Try it if you like the latest video game-styled action set pieces.
Performances by Others Actors
Golshifteh Farahani and Adam Bessa reprise their roles from the previous outing. They have extended parts here and are active in the action sequences. With Chris Hemsworth, there is group chemistry between the three, which undoubtedly provides the narrative with some fun and emotional moments.
Tornike Gogrichiani playing the antagonist, does his part well. It starts strongly and maintains the intensity throughout. Despite the less showiness, the ending works due to his powerfully built characterisation. Tinatin Dalakishvii plays an emotionally suffering woman looking out for her kids adequately. Idris Elba appearing in a cameo add to the intrigue, and his scenes with Chris Hemsworth are fun to watch.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score for Extraction 2 is on predictable lines. It lacks any remarkable quality to stand out. It is serviceable and helps keep the energy intact. More than the background score, the sound design is impactful. The cinematography is okay, and the editing is fine.
The movie’s highlight is the action scenes, conceived and choreographed excellently. They propel the narrative and do a terrific job of making one glued to the proceedings. In short, it is a feast for action movie lovers. The writing is the bare minimum level but has enough to make the drama work.
Highlights?
Three Action Blocks
Chris Hemsworth
Casting
Length
Drawbacks?
Formulaic
Rotuine Drama
Slow At Times
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Extraction 2 Movie Review by M9News
