0
0
2020. The pandemic had just started and everything was closing down. Including the movie theaters. Facing uncertain and troubling times, people didn’t know what the future held or how they would be able to forget about their problems. With cinema chains vacant, streaming swooped in to save the day and even though 90% of the offerings were subpar to say the least, we still had welcome distractions to pass the time while we were at home.
At the start of the pandemic, Netflix unleashed the best action movie of the year in Extraction which starred Chris Hemsworth in his biggest starring role there he wasn’t throwing a hammer. Hemsworth was well established as one of the leading faces of the MCU but could he succeed at leading a movie other than that? In short…yes.
Starring as black ops mercenary Tyler Rake who had physical and emotional scars, Hemsworth rocked the role from first time director Sam Hargrave who coincidentally was a stunt professional and an MCU one at that. Extraction was another example that stunt performers were the best candidates to direct action movies as this one was loaded with sensation set pieces, blistering and brutal fight and gun battle choreography and a damaged hero you wanted to root for. It was the closest thing to action perfection that year and it was my pick for best film of 2020.
The ending to Extraction was ambiguous as Rake was mortally wounded on his rescue op but there was some light at the end of the tunnel before the credits rolled. Netflix immediately announced a sequel and more as the film was a monster hit for them but the question remained was Tyler Rake alive? Was the new movie going to be a sequel or a prequel. Most importantly, would it top the original? Well to answer those questions in order…Yes…Sequel…and a resounding HELL TO THE YEAH!
This weekend saw the long awaited follow up blast it’s way onto Netflix and Hemsworth, Hargrave and company have created another film that kills it with its action sequences, offers more character development and broadens the scope and spectacle of this black ops universe. The plot, like the first one, is simple in its execution which is Rake venturing on another do or die extraction mission where the stakes are even higher and it hits closer to home.
This mission sees Rake accepting a mission to rescue his one time sister-in-law and her children from a vengeful man who will do anything to have them and employ his army to do it.
First off however, the beginning of Extraction 2 gives fans a glimpse at what transpires when Nik (Golshifteh Farahani) and Yaz (Adam Bessa) rescue Rake after he plunges into the water. Tyler’s road to recovery is a grueling one and the subsequent scenes show him leaving Dubai to live out his days in the isolated mountain forests of Germany, where all he wants to do is retire. Unfortunately for Rake, the mysterious Alcott (Idris Elba), who shows up like this franchise’s version of M, visits the ex-Merc to employ him for a mission only he can pull off. Tyler’s ex-wife, Mia (Olga Kurylenko), wants him to tack up once again to rescue her sister and her children from a ruthless and unforgiving prison where she is being held by her husband, who just happens to be vile and the co-leader of a revolting gang known as the Nagazi.
After Rake readies himself with a training montage like the 80’s, he reteams with his former comrades Nik and Yaz to liberate Mia and her children from the Georgian prison. This culminates in the movie’s first set piece which is a bad to the bone sequence that surpasses anything from the first Extraction and punches the action in The Fast Saga and John Wick in the face. Hargrave has created a sweat inducing, adrenaline laced twenty-five-minute one take action sequence that has to be seen to be believed. BTW, I know it wasn’t shot all at once but it still looks friggin’ cool as fuck. The sequence literally goes from the prison breakout to a high-speed road chase through the forest and ends with an assault aboard a moving train which sees Rake mow a chopper down with a friggin’ mini-gun. Yeah, it’s that awesome people.
Extraction 2 is the remedy for all those bitching about today’s action movies as practical effects and stunts outweigh the CGI and it’s lead star performs most of his own stunts. This delivers the action to a whole new level and a lot of the kills are of brutal R rated fashion with multiple types of weapons used. We’re talking machine guns, side arms, knives, grenades, and the kitchen sink. Did I mention the mini-gun tearing through an attack chopper? On top of a speeding train? Ok, just making sure.
Extraction 2’s action is violent, visceral and in your face and there is enough to fill at least two movies and that’s just the first sequence. Remember when I said that every set piece in John Wick: Chapter 4 was worthy enough to be the finale in any other movie? Well this is true ten fold in Extraction 2. Hargrave basically tells you, “oh yeah, did you like that? Well you ain’t seen nothing yet.” When your action hero is on fire and still kicking the shit out of assailants, you pretty much know that you’re watching one hell of an action flick. Just saying.
At the heart of this sequel, in between all the blood soaked carnage, is a more heartfelt story as well as the quieter moments are way more emotional this time around and viewers are immersed more into Rake’s past as Hargrave sheds new light into the death of Tyler’s son and how it destroyed his marriage and his view on life and the world around him. This is a true testament to screenwriter Joe Russo who gives us more than just a bloody man on a mission film.
Another huge change this time around is that supporting players Golshifteh Farahani and Adam Bessa have a lot more to do and get their hands dirty during the action sequences. The trio form one hell of a tactical unit and it’s fitting that we see Rake have some stone cold back up this time around. Also, the film’s main antagonist this time, Tornike Gogrichiani who plays Zurab, the brother-in-law of the woman Tyler rescues, is just as lethal as Rake and he’s a vengeful killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. This makes him just as formidable as Rake which raises the stakes. Hey, that rhymed.
It’s also fitting that in an action movie that calls back to the glory days of action that we see old school action star in the form of Daniel Bernhardt in a supporting role. Just like his role in the first John Wick, Bernhardt is utilized here but it is unfortunate that his stand off with Rake was short lived. I was hoping for a longer scrape but I’ll take what I can get.
Sam Hargrave made a directorial debut with Extraction that all aspiring filmmakers can only dream for. Hargrave, who I mentioned is a veteran stunt performer, dives in head first to give fans the most immersive experience as possible. It’s almost like you have a VR headset strapped on your head while your watching this. Hargrave is one of those directors that will risk life and limb to get the shot that he wants which includes strapping onto a car driving 60 MPH to make it feel like your going 60. That’s dedication people and why he has one king career ahead of him in this business.
Of course, Hargrave will say it was a team effort and I have to mention cinematographer Greg Baldi and editor Alex Rodriguez who were masterful in their executions. This is essentially the new go to crew if you want action films done right. Keeping these individuals together for future entries will assuredly give us more or better in the future. They have crafted something special here and if you here anyone complaining about this movie come Monday, unfriend them immediately.
Overall, Extraction 2 is the rip-roaring, crowd-pleasing action epic fans were hoping for. It’s scale is the stuff of legends, and it’s a crying shame that it’s on Netflix because this is the type of actioner that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen imaginable. The films on the streaming service have been hit or miss over the years for sure but this movie has finally given the streamer the big budget tentpole franchise they so desperately need.
The ending of Extraction 2 outdoes the previous one as it teases bigger and better things for Tyler Rake and Chris Hemsworth has definitely put his name in contention for one of the best action stars working today. Dare I say, move over Tom Cruise? Forget Thor as the Extraction franchise is Hemsworth’s signature role. It’s top tier blockbuster material right in your own living room.
The action, stunts, violence, scope, and set pieces are all bigger, louder and badder than the first and I said before that this movie may be the one film that could overthrow John Wick for best action film of the year. Spoiler Alert, and this is coming from a fan that loves John Wick, Extraction 2 does and 2023’s impressive year for action cinema continues.
VERDICT: 5 Out of 5 Stars- Essential
Extraction 2 is bigger, louder and badder than the first and Hemsworth is officially an action god among mortals.
[…] out my essential review of the Extraction 2 here and prepare yourselves for more adrenaline to come! Lock ‘N’ Load for future Extraction 3 Intel […]