Extraction

It's strange to say that I have two new reviews this weekend - though I'm not sure I'd be watching and reviewing both in a "normal" world. 

Extraction represents the second of the batch (after the wonderful An Irish Story: This is My Home documentary) and it's now on Netflix. 

Starring Chris Hemsworth and produced by the Russo Brothers, Extraction looks to capitalize on their popularity and the name drops of both the previous Avengers flicks is a powerful one these days. This is a much different film from those however as a call back to old action films with an attempt at the flair, choreography, and violence level of a John Wick. 

Extraction mostly succeeds on this front, particularly when it comes to action. There's a lot to love here - that I'll get more into - but there's also a lot that it phones in. Basically anything outside of the action element, actually. It especially highlights the area of why Wick is so successful (i.e. lore, characters, emotional attachment) outside of its incredible action. For this Netflix action romp, it's worth the view for action fans, but something better was missing. 

Aside from the action in Extraction, the thing that stuck with me the strongest was that I legitimately have no idea what the story/plot was other than "This kid needs to be extracted". Perhaps I wasn't paying the most attention, but the brief setup and other diversions from the action to explain something seemed poorly constructed, like an afterthought. The plot is paper thin here and - while that's actually par for the course in most action films - it's not how some of the best action films treat their stories (i.e. Mission Impossibles). In this case it doesn't outright hurt Extraction, but it makes it plateau despite it's awesome violence because you just don't really care about anything going on. That extends to the characters too who also seem like an afterthought and aside from a touching moment between the kid and Hemsworth's Tyler Rake talking about his past, there's not much here in terms of understanding these individuals. Even more annoying is that Rake's past is about as cliche as an action hero can get these days with the loss of his child. This is typical for action films to phone this stuff in, but for Extraction it's slightly more disappointing because the film is so impressive otherwise. 

"What's your name?"
"Um..."
"Shut up, nevermind, it doesn't matter!"

Hmmm. Where I have I seen a
Russo Brothers knife fight before...?

The action here - aside from some shoddy CGI - is truly awesome and the best of the year so far. I know that's not saying much, but it shouldn't discredit the film. Throughout we get some absolutely brutal choreography that is less the ballet of Wick and more like a stout, but athletic football player, powering through foes. Most of it is filmed really well, with angles that show the "money shots" and a balanced amount of editing/cutting. You'll be immediately impressed. And then you'll be floored when about halfway through the film you're treated to what I can only imagine will easily be a Top 10 Scene in the Rath's Awards with an extended "one take" action shot. Think 1917, but instead of the whole film, it's ~10-15 minutes, and with ridiculously intricate choreography. Of course, it wasn't actually shot in a single frame, tricks are used, but these tricks are imperceptible in the moment so the fluid continuation of Hemsworth and this boy trying to allude capture in a chaotic market street. It was completely exhilarating once I recognized what was happening and then you're sucked in because A) it's awesome and B) you wonder how long they'll go for. I'd even argue that it's such a good portion of the film (and the rest of it holds up fine too) that it's worth watching for this moment alone. 

Given that there's nothing new in theaters right now, obviously, Extraction should likely do well on Netflix. And that's good because I think there's potential for a franchise here, especially if they keep the same choreography team and talent behind the camera for future installments. But(!) if they really want to compete with the pantheon of the great action heroes, we need more story, plot, lore, etc. next time around. If not, that's fine too, but they'll confine this film/future series to always being on the "2nd best" lists when it has potential to do more.

CONS

• Pretty non existent story and we learn next to nothing about any character
• Hemsworth's Rake is a walking cliche
• As with most of these uber-action films, it starts to wear in the final 15-20 minutes
• Some shoddy CGI
• Forgettable original score

PROS

• Unique geographical location, good change of pace for an action film
• Hemsworth is a strong lead - despite his character - and there are other supporting characters worth exploring here
• Well-choreographed and filmed action. It doesn't hyper edit (or at least not frequently)
• Very violent in the way you're hoping. Will scratch that Wick itch
• Throws down the gauntlet about halfway through with an extended "one take" sequence that is an absolute riot. It's intense, comical, violent, and mind-boggling in its intricacy

Rath's Review Score | 7.5/10