Tyler Rake: Extraction 2

Of all the films I've enjoyed in the "super soldier" genre, this is my favorite. The casting is good, mainly for the obvious chemistry between and among the three main characters, Nikki, Yaz, and Tyler. The three act as though they really have been close for years. I haven't yet noticed a miscast actor in the cast, and I have rewatched this film, more than once.

I'm very glad that the seldom seen Golshifteh Farahani is in this film. IMO, she's the prettiest actress on the current scene as well as being very good at her job. Anyway, this is quite a lot better than the typical shoot-em-up action film.

The way this one follows on the first film in the franchise isn't really clear to me because I didn't see the first one. At this point, fans will tell me to shut up, so I probably should. The action in Extraction 2 is a little unbelievable, but it's well done.

The Georgian brothers are not fully fleshed out, so their backstory takes a little flashing back to establish what we are to expect from them. Put your critical thinking on cruise control and just take the ride. It's worth the price of admission.

Update: I've now seen "Extraction", the first film in the franchise, and it was also very good and well cast. Chris Hemsworth, as Tyler Rake, is a good action film star, and so is Adam Bessa, who plays Yaz Khan, brother of Nikki and Tyler's fellow soldier in the story.

The main draw for me, Golshifteh Farahani, as Nikki Khan, is the one who lured me to watch these films. I enjoy looking at her and watching her act, but I can't take the chick flicks that she does outside of this franchise. I won't watch just anything to get a glimpse of her, so at least I'm not a fanatic. ;-)

It was a straight forward none stop action, with all the good reasons that pushes the story forward, and i loved it.

Loved the sequences where the camera keeps following around in middle of the action with no cuts.

Loved how they kept pushing the protagonist to the limits, as much as humanly possible, which makes it feel even more like i'm watching a documentary of some war hero or something.

Loved how the action was outrageous but realistic to some extent which makes the whole scenario believable because the writers respected our minds.

As i'm writing this review, i'm trying to think of something negative to say about this movie and i couldn't find any.

Please make more like this the world needs it.

Edit => on 18 june 2023 (two days later) i finally found something negative to say about this movie, and it's about how the ending is simply not satisfying, i mean there could have been so many better scenarios to end the final boss fight and they settled with the laziest one.

Extraction 2 is an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Picking up where its predecessor left off, the film delves deeper into the life of Tyler Rake, portrayed brilliantly by Chris Hemsworth, as he embarks on another high-stakes mission.

The action sequences in Extraction 2 are a sight to behold, featuring jaw-dropping stunts and intense combat sequences. The choreography is top-notch, with every fight scene delivering a visceral and gritty experience. Hemsworth's physicality and on-screen presence make him the perfect fit for the role of Tyler Rake, bringing both vulnerability and ferocity to the character.

The film also introduces new characters who add depth and intrigue to the narrative. Randeep Hooda delivers a standout performance as Saju, a conflicted ally caught in the crossfire. His chemistry with Hemsworth adds emotional weight to their interactions, creating memorable moments throughout the film.

Director Sam Hargrave skillfully blends heart-pounding action with quieter character-driven moments, giving the audience a chance to connect with the protagonists on a deeper level. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the gritty atmosphere and stunning locales with precision.

However, Extraction 2 falls slightly short in terms of plot development. While the action is exhilarating, the storyline feels somewhat predictable and lacks the element of surprise. Additionally, certain character arcs could have been explored further to enhance the overall depth of the narrative.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Extraction 2 is a solid action-packed sequel that delivers on its promises. With Hemsworth's powerhouse performance and Hargrave's expert direction, this film is a must-watch for action enthusiasts. Buckle up and prepare for a wild ride that will leave you craving for more.

'Extraction 2' is the kind of movie I call a "time-killer". Say you have 2 hours until a dinner you're looking forward to and you want the time to pass quickly, you put on 'Extraction 2' and before you know it it's time for dinner. You then proceed to never think about the film again for the rest of your life, because there is absolutely nothing memorable about it. There's no problem with these types of movies, we need them. But you can't get angry at people finding them instantly forgettable. There's no true emotional depth to them, try as they may.

It is worth noting that there is an incredible "single-take" scene early in this film that was done phenomenally well. The work that must've gone into pulling it off, I can't even imagine. It's the highlight of the movie by a comfortable margin. The only problem I find with these scenes is that it takes me about 6 minutes to click onto the fact I'm watching a "single-take".

The film has a decent villain and the pacing is pretty good. It's an above average action movie and worth your time for sure if this is your kind of thing. 7/10.

Extraction is awesome. Extraction 2 is more awesome. I could feel it immediately. The story, characters and villain are all a step up. It's intense and suspenseful throughout.

But of course, we're here for the action. And just like the rest of the movie, it jumps a level. It's just as clear and well-shot as in the original. But it's more creative, bigger and harder. It has one of the coolest, longest and most impressive simulated one-takes I've ever seen. I was mesmerized.

The only criticism I have is that it's anticlimactic. The best action scene happens early, second best happens in the middle, and the last action scene is the smallest (but still good). Other than that, I loved this movie.

As someone who constantly trashes the inferior quality of Netflix original movies, I have to give them credit here. And as a huge fan of fight scenes and action movies, I'm ecstatic at the new levels I've seen from franchises like this and John Wick. There are still some movies with quick-cut shaky-cam fight scenes (like Snake Eyes and Mortal Kombat), but hopefully movies like Extraction can end those plagues forever. (1 viewing, 6/16/2023)