REVIEW: Extraction 2 Amps Up The Action In Blood Pumping Sequel
Chris Hemsworth and director Sam Hargrave return for Netflix’s Extraction 2, the highly anticipated sequel to their 2020 hit, Extraction. In this new story, which was written by Joe Russo, Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth) miraculously survived his injuries from the previous film, and is recovering in a remote location, alongside his loyal pup. That moment of quite is quickly interrupted when a man with no name (Idris Elba) appears with a job for him. Hestitant to take the gun for hire job, Rake is quick to change his mind when he learns what’s at stake, saving a family from the clutches of criminal brothers, Zurab (Tornike Gogrichiani) and Davit (Tornike Bziava). Cue the high action antics as Rake heads to the country of Georgia to save the family and protect them from the villainous duo.
The film is not going to be known for its intimate moments between characters or the moments of self-reflection from Rake. No, once again, it is the action sequences that elevate this film. Director, Sam Hargrave, returns for this sequel, and as a man quite familiar with the stunt process, showcases that knowledge throughout this film. There is a beauty to these sequences that show Hargrave’s attention to detail. Stunts aren’t thrown in for the glitz or glamour. Each scene is meticulously done and reflects Hargrave’s thoughtful approach and his precision in executing the perfect fight for each scene. This is proven, with the help of cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel, during the spectacular 21-minute-long single shot action sequence delivered in the first half of the film.
Hemsworth returns as Rake and is just as good in this one as he was in the previous film. Gogrichiani and Bziava as the film’s villainous brothers are, on paper, the stereotypical Hollywood Eastern European villains, but that’s not the case at all. The two manage to push those stereotypes aside and bring a level of sinister to these characters that can stand alongside Hemsworth in some of the more bone-crunching scenes. Golshifteh Farahani returns as Rake’s partner, Nik Khan, and is fantastic. Her character is the complete opposite of Rake, but still manages to deliver those brief, yet much needed moments of calm, and a tad bit of humor, especially when she is acting alongside her sidekick brother, played by Adam Bessa.
Fans of the first film will again be entertained by the sequel. It’s heart-pounding, non-stop action that will keep eyes locked to the screen. Those who didn’t particularly enjoy the first one, for whatever reason, that reason is most likely elevated to the tenth degree in this new take, so it might be best to sit this one out.
Grade: B