Tyler Rake Returns!
The first extraction film debuted on Netflix back in 2020 to a majority of positive feedback from critics and general moviegoers alike. It left the audience with more questions they wanted answered and provided plenty of action in the space of a couple of hours. It also became Netflix’s most watched original Netflix film in the streaming services history, gathering 99 million viewers within the first four weeks.
It's no wonder they green-lit a sequel with the director Sam Hargreaves returning alongside main star Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake.
Cut to Friday 16th of June and the sequel has been released. Extraction stars returning star Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake as he attempts to save a family from a ruthless gang of criminals when the mission ends up being more personal than he would realize.
Before we get into the details of the review, I will say, Spoilers do follow. Whilst this will be more of a quick review, I will try to keep this as spoiler free as possible. I wont give away any plot points. However details on the action and set pieces are going to be spoken about, so if you want to go in blind stop reading!
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Let’s get into it.
When it comes to the film's premise and story, it is an interesting one. Hargreaves gives the audience a reason to reintroduce us to Tyler by giving him a personal mission rather than having him on a mission for the sake of it. I will say that the film does immediately answer the questions that were left by the first film but doesn't dwell on it too much. Instead it decides to give the audience the information we need to know and then immediately throw us into it.
This isn't a bad thing per say, and for the sake of pacing it does help to keep the story going forwards yet at the same time you do want to sit with this just a little longer, even by a scene or two so we can see the repercussions of Tylers actions from the previous film. This isn't the only time it happens either. Whilst the film is primarily focused on action, it does have some more quiet moments. Its these moments we get to experience more of Tyler's character and see who he really is rather than some mercenary who’s good in a shootout. It helps flesh the character more. The problem is, these smaller scenes are exactly that, smaller. The film doesn't allow you to sit with these moments long enough for them to breathe and instead are followed by another action sequence.
Alongside the more quiet moments, the film reintroduces us to characters Nik and Yaz from the first movie whilst making them a much more prominent part of the film. Not only does this help flesh Tyler's character more by seeing their dynamic but it also helps flesh the overall world out more. We see there is more to be involved with than just Hemsworth's character. It helps get us invested in the story.
Chris Hemsworth is very good as Tyler Rake. Whilst the first film made the character seem a little one directional, this film gives him much more to play with. Seeing more of his backstory and allowing him to show a more personal side to his character. This along with Hargreaves' direction and the action stunt work allows us to care for Tyler just a bit more than in the first movie.
Now, as mentioned before, this film is an action film and that is its primary focus. The film is full of action set pieces that are very well done; however the one that stands out the most is featured within the first half of the movie. It's a 21 minute ‘one-take’ action sequence that starts within a prison, moving onto a courtyard, into cars to feature a chase sequence then through a warehouse and onto a freight train where the last chunk of action takes place. Now it is a very very impressive sequence to watch. Hargreaves allows this one take to be varied in both its location and action making sure it doesn't bore the audience. He also makes us feel part of the action as we mainly follow Hemsworth as he's working his way through the sequence. You feel that you are part of the action with him. It’s very impressive.
The action set-pieces, whilst impressive, can start to feel a little tiring. Due to not letting the quiet moments breathe more it does feel like it is action sequence after action sequence. Again, this isn't exactly a bad thing as the action is impressive to watch but it does not mean it is less tiring.
Overall for me, Extraction 2 is a big step up from the first film. Whilst the first film was a fun watch. The use of its set-pieces and one-take, alongside learning more about Tylers backstory makes this film a much more enjoyable and investing one. I just wish the quiet moments were given room to breathe just a little more. The film, of course, leaves us reading for another installment leaving us with a couple questions we want answered. I for one will be ready to watch when Extraction 3 rolls around!
3/5
A much quicker and shorter review today I’m afraid but i hope you enjoyed just the same!
Have you seen Extraction 2? What did you think? Let us know!
Don’t forget to check out our other posts such as ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark - A Timeless Classic’ and get ready for our next post soon!
Until then,
Stay Safe, Look After Each Other,
Harry x