When we last witnessed Tyler Rake in “Extraction,” he met his demise, teetering off a bridge in Bangladesh with a fatal bullet wound to his neck. However, Netflix defies death.
In “Extraction 2,” Chris Hemsworth reprises his role as the downtrodden yet formidable gun-for-hire, Rake. Netflix deserves gratitude for this impressive resurrection, as this franchise delivers an exhilarating cinematic experience.
Arriving two years after the unexpectedly captivating first installment, the sequel finds Rake embroiled in a conflict between two rival drug dealers. He navigates treacherous betrayals, poses questions like “How many hostiles onsite?” and hurls an inexhaustible supply of grenades. The adrenaline-pumping action remains a hallmark of this series.
The astonishing survival of Tyler Rake leaves even his closest allies dumbfounded. Miraculously awakening from a coma in “Extraction 2,” he finds himself secluded in a secluded chalet nestled in Gmunden, Austria. There, he is instructed to relax and indulge in activities like knitting, hiking, and seeking mindfulness. The notion of retirement is presented to him with a suggestion to savor its pleasures.
However, embracing retirement would negate the very existence of “Extraction 2.”
As expected, a new extraction mission emerges, prompting the customary montage of Hemsworth engaging in rigorous physical training. We witness him performing push-ups in the snow, chopping firewood, pushing a sled loaded with rocks, and even displaying his skill in ax throwing. While these scenes may embrace familiar clichés, the “Extraction” films manage to infuse them with a fresh and captivating energy, avoiding any sense of staleness.
Hemsworth reunites with Joe Russo, known for his work in the Marvel Comic Universe, and director Sam Hargrave, who started his career as a stunt specialist. However, the true trump card for the film is its cinematographers, who masterfully craft astonishingly long single takes of complex fight sequences and high-octane driving scenes. These immersive shots place the audience right in the heart of the action, setting the film apart from other thrillers.
In the previous installment, Newton Thomas Sigel showcased his talent. This time, Greg Baldi takes the reins, orchestrating a relentless and adrenaline-pumping rescue mission set within the intricate tunnels of a brutal Georgian prison. The sequence features a full-scale riot, a police shield ablaze and wielded as a weapon, a thrilling car chase involving motorcycles and rockets, a frantic race through a factory, and an epic confrontation on a moving train hurtling at 40 mph. Helicopters are brought down, and intense hand-to-hand combat unfolds on board. This breathtaking 20-minute tour-de-force is the kind of spectacle that compels viewers to rise from their seats and applaud, even if they’re watching from the comfort of their couch. And with over an hour left in the film, there’s much more excitement to come.
“Extraction 2” appears to have a larger budget this time around, although the filmmakers might owe an apology for the extensive destruction caused in downtown Vienna. Nevertheless, unlike other action franchises, the film wisely avoids wasting resources on luxurious detours to Parisian museums or lavish accommodations in five-star Tokyo hotels. The focus remains firmly on delivering an intense and thrilling experience.
The strength of these films has always resided in their gritty portrayal of the streets, mud, and dirt, accompanied by the distinct sound of spent cartridges ricocheting off concrete. The characters in this world perspire and sustain bruises, even if some manage to look effortlessly stylish behind their sunglasses.
The antagonists in “Extraction 2” bear resemblance to those in the first installment: a formidable duo of scarred brothers who control the trade of heroin and firearms in Georgia. These soft-spoken yet deranged individuals possess a penchant for delivering poetic metaphors before unleashing brutal violence, thrusting a rake into the throats of their victims.
While the film offers glimpses into Rake’s background and introduces members of his extended family, he remains a emotionally restrained figure, seemingly confined to a singular emotional note. One critique of the franchise is its inability to fully utilize Chris Hemsworth’s comedic talents, as Marvel has successfully done with his portrayal of Thor.
“Extraction 2” places family at its core, as Rake finds himself caught between the warring factions of the Georgian clan while also striving to protect his trusted handler, Nik Khan, portrayed brilliantly by Golshifteh Farahani (whose performance could warrant a potential franchise spin-off). Alongside her is Nik’s composed and adept brother, played by Adam Bessa.
The stakes are high, and only one side can survive the deadly conflict. Along the way, a luxurious rooftop gym transforms into a scene of carnage, a towering skyscraper is nearly leveled by rocket fire, an airfield erupts into a fiery spectacle, and even a church is left in ruins. Apologies to the divine, but in this franchise, death is not the ultimate conclusion—it’s a relative concept.
“Extraction 2,” a Netflix release scheduled for Friday, boasts an R rating due to its pervasive and intense bloody violence, as well as language. With a running time of 123 minutes, the film earns a solid three out of four stars.
