Extraction 2

UK Release Date: 16 June 2023

Certification: 15
Director: Sam Hargrave
Cast: Adam Bessa, Tornike Bziava, Idris Elba, Golshifteh Farahani, Tornike Gogrichiani, Chris Hemsworth, Olga Kurylenko

Rating: 70%

Review:

Expanding upon the success of 2020 Netflix original, Extraction, that saw stuntman turned director, Sam Hargrave turn out one of the best pure action films of the 21st century - Extraction 2 replicates the majority of achievements of the first whilst not doing much else to elevate the material. 

The first word that comes to mind when describing Extraction 2 is ambitious. The first set the bar with a 'one-take' action scene lasting a total of twelve minutes. There are a few hidden cuts during the scene but it is often seamless. In an attempt to outdo its predecessor, Extraction 2 involves a twenty-one minute action scene filmed as if there are no cuts. The audience can't take their eyes off the screen during the never-ending sequence. Consisting of a 400-person prison brawl, moving locations and a helicopter landing on a train - simply action filmmaking at the peak of its powers. 

Chris Hemsworth is again strong in the lead role. Audience members immediately latch onto the character due to the fact Hemsworth is a recognisable face in Hollywood rather than good writing but it works for this type of film. At this point Tyler Rake has to go done as one of the best pure action heroes with the likes of Jason Bourne, Ethan Hunt and John Wick. Personally, I was pleased that the film gave Nik (Golshifteh Farahani) more screen time. A welcome continuation of her character from the first film. 

Extraction 2 isn't as interesting as the first with an incredibly basic plot. These films are based on a graphic novel, 'Ciudad', written by the Russo brothers. But their writing style holds the film back, really lacklustre. The script feels like it was written by AI with unnatural dialogue. 

Continuing with negatives, the first twenty minutes of the runtime is a bit of drag as it resolves loose ends from Extraction. Also, there are a few new characters introduced that the audience couldn't care less about. That's not what people watch a film like this for - the action is immense and I can't wait to see this franchise grow further.