IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 16, YOU SHOULD ASK YOUR PARENTS IF YOU ARE ALLOWED, IF THEY SAY NO…IT MEANS NO!

By: Keaton Marcus

Stunt-coordinator Sam Hargrave and the Russo brothers have teamed up once again with MCU alumni Chris Hemsworth for a no-holds-barred action thriller with an electric lead performance, excellent stunt work, and a complete lack of intelligence. But who needs films with actual logic during this time of crisis, I mean seriously, if you want to sit down, relax and enjoy Hemsworth putting bullets in some heads, by all means, go for it. The film's called Extraction, which is pretty appropriate, considering the plot and benefits from some spectacular action sequences, though it is still a little overlong and takes itself too seriously. Hemsworth, like always, gives a rock-solid performance despite being a bit of a waste of his comedic talents. Still, it's an extremely watchable thriller that will satisfy audiences looking for something exciting to watch during the quarantine. Just don't look for anything too above the bar of the typical action movie.

The movie focuses on Tyler Rake (Hemsworth), a mercenary, who years after he's lost his son in an accident, is called back to work to help a drug lord's son named Ovi (Rudhraksh Jaiswal) who's been kidnapped by an international crime lord in India. However, after Tyler finds out that it was all a set-up, he must decide whether to abandon or save the boy from death with the police and criminals on his tail. It's got the familiar plot of a typical chase movie, and it's still reasonably exciting, largely because of the stunning action. The stunt-work is damn good, though still doesn't quite reach the heights of the brilliant John Wick trilogy which can drag it down. However, you'll still be extremely impressed.

The performances are most likely the best thing about the film, with Chris Hemsworth taking the lead role and delivering on nearly every turn. The script, written by Jeff Russo, isn't anything special, though Hemsworth does what he could with it. What's a little disappointing is that Hargrave didn't give the talented actor many jokes to work with which he's stellar at (Fat Thor in Endgame). Still, for this type of movie, Hemsworth's acting was impeccable and he had solid chemistry with Jaiswal, though I would have liked to see better development with the characters. Hemsworth is still a delight in almost every one of his movies, whether it's the Avengers franchise, or horror-comedy The Cabin in the Woods, and that already should be enough to make it worth watching. Nabbing a supporting role was Stranger Things star David Harbour who portrays Gaspar, one of Tyler's buds who shouldn't be trusted. Though it was too small to really be effective.

One recurring issue is: Sam Hargrave isn't really a director, he's a terrific stunt-coordinator, but he just doesn't have the experience to make a film truly intact. Still, there are some really well-directed moments and the most impressively-shot sequence in the film, the 11-minute, thrilling car-chase in "one-take". That, ladies and gentlemen, is enough to blow minds even after seeing Sam Mendes' 1917 do that for nearly two hours. The camera-work, especially during the action, is spectacular and definitely deserves a note. The thing is, Hargrave, stretches an 80-90 minute plot into about 117 minutes of running time. Comparatively, a similar movie, the Liam Neeson-starring Taken was only about 92 minutes long. Just saying. Though for most of the bombastic experience, you will find yourself very, very entertained.

The final opinion is: Though it's overlong and too serious, Extraction benefits from Chris Hemsworth's brawny charisma, spectacular stunt-work, action sequences, and high entertainment value...$TREAM IT (it's a Netflix film anyways).

WATCH ON NETFLIX

Rated: R (for strong bloody violence throughout, language and brief drug use)

Genre: Action/Thriller

Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutes

Directed By: Sam Hargrave