What Is the Story About?
Netflix original film Extraction 2 centres on mercenary-for-hire Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), as he takes on another death-defying mission. He must extract his ex-wife’s sister Ketevan (Tinatin Dalakishvili) and her kids from a high security Georgian prison, from under the nose of her mobster husband Davit (Tornike Bziava). Unfortunately, Davit is killed in the ensuing mayhem, and his psychotic mobster brother Zurab (Tornike Gogrichiani) declares all out war against Tyler and his team, the siblings Nik (Golshifteh Farahani) and Yaz (Adam Bessa).
Performances?
Chris Hemsworth is the centerpiece of the film, with his eye-candy good looks and penchant for action. The actor is positively magnificent in Extraction 2, as he singlehandedly hacks and kills his way through hundreds of deadly assassins in the film.
Golshifteh Farahani is terrific too, as Tyler’s handler Nik. Adam Bessa is a scene stealer as Yaz. Tornike Gogrichiani is suitably menacing as primary protagonist Zurab. The rest of the cast is average. And oh yes, Idris Elba’s unnamed cameo is delightful; as are his exchanges with Tyler Rake.
Analysis
Some movies don’t require a hefty and complex plot to make an impact on audiences. The sheer, unadulterated, high quality action and thrill they deliver is enough for worshipers to go delirious with joy while watching them. Netflix’s latest release Extraction 2 is that film.
In fact, if one were to make a list of this particular genre of films, Extraction 2 would land right at the very top of the list. Writer Joe Russo and director Sam Hargrave promised an intense and gritty action thriller in Extraction 2, and they come through on that promise – spectacularly!
So let’s come straight to the point – the hotly anticipated 21-minute one-take shot in Extraction 2. Yes, it’s breathtaking; yes, it’s jaw-dropping; yes, it’s mesmerising; and yes, it’s totally worth watching Extraction 2 for. It is mind-boggling and attention-grabbing enough to not let you even blink, lest you miss any bit of the adrenaline-pumping action set-pieces. It starts off innocuously enough, with Tyler Rake soft-footing it through the high-security prison to get to the mom and kids he must extract. But as is the case with such perilous missions, as soon as Rake has them in his care, Murphy’s Law kicks into gear and everything that can go wrong, does.
What follows is an eye-popping, 21-minute unbroken action sequence, crazy and chaotic in the best way possible. Those caught up in it engage in all kinds of astonishing exploits – from a tumultuous prison brawl, to copious violence and blood-letting, to hand-to-hand combat, to a thrilling car chase to a cross-country train ride, to fighting off helicopter-borne assassins, and more. And all of it happens in a one-take shot, albeit with some clever stitching together and well-placed CGI. It is a marvel of filmmaking, and truly something that has to be seen to be believed.
The camerawork perfectly and amply complements the inventiveness and creativity of the action sequences. Cinematographer Greg Baldi rises to the task commendably, delivering a piece of work he can truly be proud of. Sam Hargrave too has outdone himself with this one, beating his Extraction spectacle by miles.
Unfortunately, this magnificent spectacle comes up in the first half of the film itself. And then everything that follows simply pales in comparison to the beauty and chaos of the above. The second half of the movie also moves ahead at the pace of an action sequence per minute, but it just doesn’t hit the same. Somehow, the magic is missing.
The final fight is hurried and distinctly anti-climactic, leaving one with a tinge of disappointment at the less-than-satisfactory end. That said, a third Extraction movie is definitely in the wings, so fans of the franchise can look forward to more madness from these magnificent men.
To sum it up, while Extraction 2 may not offer a groundbreaking or deeply nuanced story. But it delivers more than expected on its promise as an intense and thrilling action thriller. Watch it and enjoy it!
Music and Other Departments?
Henry Jackman and Alex Belcher’s music for Extraction 2 sets the right beats for the action and thrill in the film. Greg Baldi’s camerawork is excellent, and captures the action magnificently. His work in the 21-minute take is a masterclass in camerawork. The production design of Extraction 2 is top-notch, as are the stunts and action choreography. Álex Rodríguez and William Hoy’s editing is terrific, giving wings to the creativity and imagination of the writer and director.
Highlights?
The brilliant 21-minute action sequence
Chris Hemsworth
Drawbacks?
Skimpy storyline
Threadbare plot
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, despite a non-existent plot
Will You Recommend It?
Yes.
Extraction 2 Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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