Extraction 2

If you and your 2 teammates were facing a squad of 20 on COD and they were all on 9 killstreaks so all heavy duty armoured up… this is what this movie is! I didn’t think that Daredevil hallway scene could be topped!! Yet here we are…

Extraction 2 throws us into a quick summary to explain how we got here via the first film and I like how it wasn’t stretched into some elaborate secret scheme. Simple to the point and we move on. We are reunited with Tyler Rake as he goes through his recovery both physical and mental. Through this time his emotions also play on him as he questions whether he was better off dead. He’s offered a new extraction job which just so happens to be for his ex sister in law so he jumps at the opportunity. She is under duress with her husband who is one half of criminal empire. He is in prison and because of his power he’s able to accommodate his wife and kids in prison with him. She wants the best for her children and doesn’t want them growing up in the criminal life so that’s where the extraction plan comes in. Things take a turn for the worse on the rescue and her husband is killed so then kicks off the revenge story via the brother. It’s a wonderful journey all through out.

We have a reunion of Thor and Heimdall and they just shine well together on screen. Idris Elba has a minimal role as the no named operative giving out the high risk jobs. It felt like an introductory role to build up to something big in the future of the franchise. I’m here for it. Chris Hemsworth is back as Tyler Rake, the stone cold soldier hell bent on completing any challenge in front of him. Literally putting the ACTION in EXTRACTION! This time round we get a bit of depth to his character and Chris delivers on all fronts. The action man, the recovery stage, the redemption, etc. a full range of emotions. Golshifteh Farahani and Adam Bessa are brilliant. They play Nik and Yaz Khan. I call them the action twins, although just siblings in the film. They are sassy and witty with their back and forth plus this time round they actually hold their own. Our villains Tornike Gogrichiani and Tornike Bziava play Zurab and Davit Radiani. They are villainous and cold blooded. They put on a strong display of loyalty and brotherhood and although their morals are upside down it was enjoyable to watch. I enjoyed most their backstory and how it built them into this cult looking family orientated group.

Let’s talk production! High speed chases, big action packed scenes, crazy gun fights, the full works.

There is an amazing action sequence, seems like a 1 take. It’s around 21min long. Its EPIC!

It follows Tyler as he enters a prison to extract a family of 3, a mother and her 2 children. The alarm goes off and it’s now Tyler vs literally a whole prison of inmates and guards. The camera is panned from the back, front, quick 360 spins around the action. The choreography and timing of each interaction is down to a tee. The combination of gun fights and hand to hand combat is outstanding. You feel the sound of every bullet, every stab wound, all of it. There is a part where he is knocked out with a brick and we the audience get an insight by a silent ringing sound as he plummets to the ground for a few seconds, gains consciousness and resumes battling whilst his arms are covered in fire due to a molotov throw. This is all done in real time and seamlessly. This scene goes from the prison to the outdoors via a car chase then a train chase. It’s definitely one for the record books. The scene alone is worth the watch. With the brand placement of VW I feel to get in my Tiguan and go test how bulletproof it is lol.

This time round it’s a more personal story. It develops more on the lightly touched plot around Tylers marriage and death of his son. We go through his stages of recovery, depression and grief. It gives a little break from all the action and mellows out the already heightened emotions. They talk on Tylers life belongings being able to fit into 1 little box and it gives some perspective on the level of isolation he’s subjected himself to. The narrative is not the highlight of the movie as it is quite mediocre. They just do a good job of connecting it all up and making it a more intimate tale. The cult following around the rogue brothers is a nice touch as they show us how it developed from their childhood and upbringing. It also shows how that mentality is passed onto the next generation of kids which shows how deep the cult mindset is. Their exhibit of power and influence is really emphasised and it poses the kind of challenge we want to see go up against Tyler and his crew. Nik and Yaz get a lot more character development and it’s nice to see as they continue to become fan favourites.

All in all it’s a good sequel. They took everything good about the first and simply doubled down. The best way to do a follow-up sometimes. Extraction 3 is confirmed and I am definitely going to stay tuned in and look to see more behind the story of Idris’ character. Definitely a recommended watch.

What did you think of the prison escape scene? Have you seen better? Are you looking forward to the next one? Are you going to buy a VW in hope it takes as much damage? React and comment below…