REVIEW: ‘Extraction 2’ Brings More Top Notch Action

Chris Hemsworth returns as Tyler Rake in action thriller Extraction 2, the sequel to Netflix’s blockbuster, and Sam Hargrave’s feature directorial debut Extraction, which brought stellar action even with its uneven story. Set immediately after the first movie, we meet Rake, clinging to life. After barely surviving the events of the first movie, he is back as the Australian black ops mercenary, tasked with another deadly mission: rescuing the battered family of a ruthless Georgian gangster from the prison where they are being held. The Georgian prison in question is not a cakewalk to enter, leave, or keep away from. Originally based on the graphic novel Ciudad by Ande Parks, Extraction 2 comes from director Sam Hargrave and features a script from Joe Russo. It stars Chris Hemsworth in the leading role with Golshifteh Farahani, Tornike Gogrichiani, Olga Kurylenko, and Idris Elba.

Extraction 2’s story is convoluted and dull in spots, but like the first one, its action keeps you plugged in. Truth be told, Russo’s writing takes away from an otherwise solid action performance from both Hemsworth and Golshifteh Farahani. You may knock it for its narrative, but the use of one-shots and action direction is the strongest element of Extraction 2 and a solid reason to watch. One particular shot is a chase. The camera moves along with the cars, keeping pace and turning its gaze to new elements of the spectacle in one solidly and unbroken tracked shot. The amount of coordination involved in executing a chase sequence is great, and to do it uninterrupted by jump cuts is another that deserves praise.

In fact, throughout the film, the action is allowed to breathe, due surely to Hargrave’s background as a stunt coordinator. Whether it’s in wide open spaces or cramped quarters, performed by Hemsworth or Farahani, the action is captured without the use of jump cuts. Instead, the fight choreographer and director work together to make sure that enough space between the camera and subject is in place to show every punch, stab, and shot. This makes for exciting action that isn’t trying to hide its faults but rather is trusting its actors to do the work on-screen wholeheartedly.

Extraction 2 doesn’t escape some of the bad CGI issues that have plagued Hollywood for some time now, but the moments are few and far between. Instead, there is an embrace of practical moments of action that accentuate the usage of one-tracked shots fantastically. One, in particular, involves fire, a riot shield, and a group of people. It’s a strong moment that helps a busy moment have direction. One versus many or two versus many are the base for many of the fight sequences in the film, but in them, we never lost our leads.

While Extraction 2’s story is its weakest point, the chemistry and respect between Hemsworth and Farahani’s characters, Rake and Nik, his ex-wife’s sister, is one of the highest. The plot these characters are thrust into may let them down, but their relationship is a north star in the action that allows you to care about what happens. Additionally, Nik and Yaz (Adam Bessa) are also fantastically handled. Small character moments get lost in the larger espionage plots but when they show up, they pull you in. Both Hemsworth and Farahani are more than their physical prowess in action sequences, and Hargrave captures it, even if those moments are fleeting.

Still, Extraction 2’s slow start and shakey narrative may make people tap out too early, but if you give the film a chance and watch it through to the heavy action, you’ll be happy you did. To put simply, the fantastic action choreography and direction save Extraction 2 and makes it well worth your time.

Extraction 2 is streaming exclusively on Netflix now.