Extraction II (2023)

6/10

It Was the Perfect Action Movie for 45 Minutes...

lovemichaeljordan16 June 2023

The first 45 minutes are spectacular. I was having constant goosebumps for 20 minutes straight. I was in total awe; I couldn't avoid smiling. You will not witness much better stunts and choreography (it is arguably better than that of the John Wick trilogy).

What's most impressive is the camerawork. There is a 20-minute sequence without any visible cuts that is so immersive. You will be blown away by the impressive technological achievement this crew has achieved. I could hardly believe what I was watching; helicopters landing on moving trains and cameras going in and out of windows have never been easier to follow. This is not a gimmick; it's a highly efficient tool used to make the movie highly intriguing.

The rest of the movie does sadly not live up to what the first act had to offer. It goes from an action masterpiece to another generic action-thriller by Netflix. It should honestly have ended after 50 minutes. There is no way you could top what we've just seen. The story doesn't justify the action. They are fighting -- but why? They go back and forth between each other, and at one point it gets tiresome. Just finish it up already.

Overall, a movie worth your time with some spectacular action. Don't go into this expecting a movie with substance, but rather an entertaining movie. Can't a movie be nothing more than entertaining at times? Sometimes that's enough. Good writing is however important to make the breathtaking action mean something.

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8/10

A step up in every category

FeastMode17 June 2023

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)

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7/10

Worth it for the "single-take" sequence alone

jtindahouse13 December 2023

'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.

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7/10

Extraction 2: A Riveting Action Sequel That Packs a Punch

amirkhurshed20 June 2023

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.

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7/10

Hats off to the casting diredtor

silverton-3795916 June 2023

I'm very glad to see the seldom seen Golshifteh Farahani 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 a little 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 for the most part 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 seen "Extraction", the first film in the franchise, and it was also very good and well cast. Chris Hemsworth is a good action film actor, and the main draw for me, Golshifteh Farahani, is the one who drew 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 can't watch just anything to get a glimpse of her, so at least I'm not a fanatic. ;-)

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6/10

If you can turn your brain off for the second half the movie is good, but too many details don't make sense.

Silverdashmax18 June 2023

Warning: Spoilers

The movie is ok, it has decent dialogue and very well thought out action. However in spite of great action scenes and excessive violence the plot is poorly thought out relies on many unrealistic factors.

So firstly the good: the action is mostly well thought out with wounds affecting the fighting styles as the movie progresses, characters get tired and worn out showed by a slowing of pacing. Unlike recent action movies characters in a fight don't necessarily come at the main character one at a time. Whilst there are occasions where "bad guys" come at the "good guys" one at a time because they're preoccupied. Alternatively when the opposition are available to fight they do. In some scenes you can see multiple people fighting in a 2v1, group pile-on, 3v2's etcetera.

Next character arcs for some characters make sense. Tyler, the protagonist's, arc throughout the movie is one of self hate due to the inability to be there for his own child. But by the end he forgives himself. The main antagonist is self-destructive for the sake of revenge on the protagonist, forsaking everything in order to destroy the protagonist and his accomplices.

However despite the good, many aspects of this movie hang on the head of one character who extends this movie from being 55 minutes long into a 1 hour 50 movie. This character of course is the inexplicably stupid teenage boy named Sandro. Now don't get me wrong, Andro Japaridze does a great job of acting and none of the fault falls on his head. In fact for the script and dialogue given to his character, Andro Japaridze out performed the role. However due to the producers need to extend the movie and lazy writing, his character, Sandro, is turned into a plot device.

Firstly do the writers actually expect a elite spec-ops mercenary crew member to be reckless enough to leave a tactical cell phone on a table in eyesight of an angsty teen, but they also believe that the same teen who so far has demonstrated no functional capability to be able to sneak off with the phone and then send a message to the same "bad guys" that've abused his mother his entire life. But let that go and the movie continues to use this well-acted character as a poor plot device.

Next we get to a scene where Sandro is seemingly apologetic and reveals that he's been messaging the antagonist. But do any of the mercenary crew search him for the tactical cell he's been using? No. Let's just recall that one of the "highly trained spec-ops" crew is missing their tactical cell, and not one of the crew even thinks to confiscate it from the kid later? Then Sandro who's just admitted that he made a mistake decides to take off and surrender himself to the antagonist, leading to the final standoff.

During the final standoff Sandro, our all important plot device, decides to agreeably wear a suicide vest just to help out the antagonist.

So in conclusion the movie is good, but one character ruins it. Because of the lines and plot put into this one character. I have no dislike towards the actor who did a brilliant job, but the character was not well written enough, and it's a shame that they were forced into being a plot device used to extend the movie by an hour.

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9/10

Hemsworth, once again...putting the ACTION into EXTRACTION

cmconnexion16 June 2023

Every once in a while, you come across a movie like "Extraction" that not only exceeds your expectations, but takes you on a satisfying, heart-pounding thrill-ride. Then you hope they make a sequel. Then you are elated to discover that a sequel has been greenlit and put into production. Then there is the apprehension on whether or not it will live up to the expectations of the predecessor. Then, "Extraction 2" is released, and let me assure you that any doubts or fears of whether this sequel can hold a candle to the original are quickly extinguished. This action-packed, high-octane follow-up not only reaches the heights of the original, it blows it out of the water.

Grab your drinks and snacks, switch off all mobile devices and make sure your seatbacks are secured in the upright position, as this film will have you on the edge of your seat!

The film opens with a brief rollback of the previous film with Rake, dying of his injuries, taking a reverse swan dive off a motor bridge in Bangladesh. Then after a period of time convalescing, is put back into what Rake does best...extracting! His mission is to extract the wife and children out from a maximum security Georgian prison from under the nose of a powerful imprisoned gangster. What ensues is a kinetic, explosive rollercoaster ride on planes, trains, automobiles, elevators, choppers, all with spent shell casings trailing.

The hand-to-hand combat in this flick is brutally entertaining. The weaponry would make any gun enthusiast salivate. The car-chase sequences are nothing short of spectacular. The cinematography is absolutely jaw-dropping, and moments of Hemsworth's dry Aussie humour and charm will want to make anyone want to visit the land down under!

A big shout out to the dynamite Golshifteh Farahani and the slick Adam Bessa for reprising the roles of sibling team, Nik and Yaz. The chemistry between Farahani and Bessa with Hemsworth really shines through, and have audiences truly invested in their characters. A salute to director Sam Hargrave for another hard-hitting action flick and a big thanks for the "Thor" easter egg!

What makes this film great is that it has steered clear away from identity politics, meeting minority quotas, and trying to indoctrinate an audience with ideologies. The story itself may be thin, but sure as hell makes up for it in entertainment. Extraction 2 harkens back to a time where movies were made to entertain, and to allow the audience to take from it a great story, a thrill, catharsis, or be simply lost for words apart from "Wow!" Take note, Hollywood. THIS is how movies are to be made. Which begs the question: "When are they making Extraction 3?"

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7/10

A Thrilling Ride but one that leaves you feeling empty once the dust settles.

jaysonpajaronvistal22 June 2023

As a sequel to the widely successful and action-packed film Extraction (2020), Extraction 2 (2023) had big shoes to fill. With expectations running high, the film delivers on the action front but unfortunately falls short when it comes to storytelling and character development.

Directed by Sam Hargrave, Extraction 2 once again stars Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake, the fearless and skilled mercenary ready to take on another high-stakes and deadly mission. While the action sequences are undeniably thrilling, showcasing Hemsworth's physical prowess and commitment to performing his own stunts, the film often feels flat and emotionally distant when the bullets stop flying.

The first half of the movie offers a relentless adrenaline rush, featuring tightly choreographed fight scenes, exhilarating chase sequences, and jaw-dropping explosions that seem to have upped the stake from its predecessor. Hargrave proves his expertise in coordinating and executing large-scale action set-pieces, making for an edge-of-your-seat experience.

However, the movie falters in its quieter moments, when the audience is left with a shallow and underdeveloped plotline. The script, penned by Joe Russo, fails to provide any significant character arcs or meaningful relationships for Tyler Rake to navigate, leaving Hemsworth with little to work with beyond his physicality. As a result, the audience is left with a sense of detachment from the central character and his motivations, making it difficult to invest emotionally in the story.

Additionally, the film's supporting characters, played by a talented ensemble cast including David Harbour, Golshifteh Farahani, and newcomer Aanya Pandey, are largely underutilized. Despite their strong performances, their characters are reduced to mere plot devices, lacking any depth or complexity that could have added more layers to the narrative.

In terms of cinematography, Extraction 2 boasts visually captivating and immersive shots of its international locations. However, the film's overall tone feels uneven, as the grittiness and realism of the action sequences are often undermined by moments of forced humor that feel out of place and disrupt the movie's pacing.

Ultimately, Extraction 2 serves up a feast of high-octane action that fans of the genre will undoubtedly appreciate. However, the lack of depth in storytelling and character development prevents the film from reaching its full potential as a truly engaging and memorable experience. It's a thrilling ride, but one that leaves you feeling empty once the dust settles.

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10/10

Hemsworth please make more!

Harkness9416 June 2023

We need more movies like this, this is what movies are supposed to be! Just sit back, relax and enjoy the insane action in this film, hopefully Chris decides to make at least one more film to complete a trilogy. His acting has gotten so much better as he's gotten older, this kind of movie suits him so much. In the vein of films such as John Wick, Nobody and several of Jason Statham's films, Chris' character Tyler Rake is the latest badass who destroys hordes of villains in his quest to rescue a family stuck in the middle of some nefarious schemes. Action takes place in several locations with another one take action scene spanning around 20 minutes which is just as exciting, if not more than the first film.

Enjoy guys!

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6/10

long action sequences

SnoopyStyle17 June 2023

Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth) barely survived the last mission. After leaving the hospital, he retires to his cabin with his dog and his chickens. One day, Alcott (Idris Elba) shows up with a new mission. This time, it's personal.

This is perfectly fine as Chris Hemsworth tries to build a new B-action franchise over on Netflix. The Russo brothers have given Sam Hargrave an opportunity to direct. Sam is a stunt guy and this is most notable for its long action stunt sequences. I would prefer that he leaves the CGI out of his work as much as possible. The prison break section worn me out as the CGI action gets really unreal. It felt fake and I stopped caring. The tower apartment is another story. Sure, there is also CGI and outrageous action, but the apartment tower grounds the action. It felt much more real and therefore much more compelling. This franchise needs to figure out what makes it special. The long action sequences should be that specialty as long as they ground it with real action.

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8/10

Better than the first

ghatbkk16 June 2023

As usual, the fights are over the top (body armor may stop bullets, but the kinetic energy is still hammering into the body in real life). But I found the plot, the motives, the backstory all much more interesting in this movie than the first one. Also liked Idris Elba's appearance. As seems to be the norm for this sort of movie, we got to see a variety of exotic firearms, from AKs with no stock to M240s and M249s to RPGs, PDWs, mini-guns, sniper weapons, etc. Also as usual, the weapons have extraordinary effect (not sure how you could get 40mm grenades to explode that close to the weapon that fired them) although hand-grenade explosions do seem to be close to accurate (the RPGs fly more like AT-4s though - RPGs don't really fire that accurately). Lots of bangs, lots of bashing, lots of knives (and axes and shovels and pitchforks), lots of shooting... but the plot actually has a start and a finish (and an opportunity for another one).

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7/10

Slightly more generic, but still a lot of fun!

koltonbrett20 June 2023

Extraction 2 is expectedly not as good as its predecessor, but it's still a solid action film. I appreciate that it knows what it is and only pauses the action long enough for us to catch our breath. It has some of the longest continual action sequences I've seen, and thankfully, it's all pretty fun to watch.

However, the story didn't have the emotional depth of the first Extraction. The person being extracted in that first film was a fantastic addition to the story. The extracted persons in this story are flat characters that only exist as an objective to be carried out. This makes the story much weaker than the first, as does the use of too many storytelling cliches that we're all too familiar with. The action saves the movie, but even then, watching the two Extraction movies back to back feels like an overindulgence in gun fights. It's not uncommon for me to watch two connected movies that are so samey, I'm left with no desire to see a third one. While these two Extraction movies are guilty of being too samey, they're good enough that I would happily watch a third one. Despite these weaknesses keeping me from calling it a great movie, I have no trouble saying it's a good one.

There's a lot to like here. The acting is great. Chris Hemsworth is at home with this type of role. The picture quality and cinematography is simply excellent. The camera movement and angles alone are a work of art. The movie isn't based on a video game, yet it's a better video game movie than actual video game movies. The way we walk through extended action sequences battling seemingly endless waves of attacking enemy soldiers, feels just like the campaign of many of the games I've played. I found it quite interesting. It sounds like there is indeed going to be a third movie, and I hope they figure out how to make the action not so similar to the first two movies, because I'll definitely be watching it.

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4/10

Had me until Vienna

MattD1202721 June 2023

Warning: Spoilers

I really enjoyed the first half of this movie and thought it was better than the first. Good action, great filming, interesting lighting choices, and the acting was better too. And while we need to suspend some disbelief at how remarkably lethal Tyler is, I never felt completely taken out of the first movie or the first half of this one. That all changed with the Vienna sequence, which was incredibly unrealistic and dumb in the way it was portrayed. An unknown helicopter crossing into Austria from Slovakia and then using a minigun on the most recognizable skyscraper in the city would bring much more of a response and much more quickly too, particularly if this movie is set in time present of the real world.

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A Worthy Opponent For John Wick Himself

user199816 June 2023

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.

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7/10

Pretty top notch action movie

BoredMovieWatcher21 September 2023

Extraction 2 is definitely a step in the right direction for action movie alike. The main thing that sets this apart from the rest is its choreography. It's sort of like John Wick levels of choreography but this features a single continuous scene where the camera is following the main character throughout. Best example is 20 minutes into the movie with the prison scene.

That scene is why I like about action movies; the camera is taking you along with the fight. It's not like those other generic action flicks that have multiple tales for one fight scene, which usually ruins the excitement.

The rest of the movie I couldn't really care much for. The story is plausible for why it is. It's not the worst and it's not as generic as those other secret agent save the world type of tropes. But just don't expect masterclass storytelling. You're only in it for the "one take" action scenes that really sells the action.

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7/10

Extraction II

henry8-319 June 2023

Top fixer / mercenary Chris Hemsworth agrees to undertake an impossible mission by going into a prison and rescuing the wife and children of a dangerous gangster who has arranged for them to be with him in jail. In the battle to get the wife and kids out, the gangster is killed by Hemsworth incurring the great displeasure of his equally unpleasant brother who now seeks revenge.

Whilst the plot is simplicity itself, this is all done with so much panache it is a constantly breathtaking roller coaster ride. The camerawork and editing are excellent and the stunt work, action set pieces and effects are second to none. The villain is as nasty as they come and Hemsworth is fabulously tough in the lead. Great, visceral fun - presumably more will follow.

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7/10

Want good action, hire a stuntman to direct

davidwalker-944711 July 2023

This film is a little like watching an old school kung fu movie. Plot and dialogue are frankly laughable in parts but the action is phenomenal.

Chris Hemsworth is eminently watchable and I get the impression he enjoys these movies. Honestly I can take or leave the rest of the cast.

The main draw of this movie though is a quite staggering 21 minute single sequence action set piece.

The camera work during this sequence is mind blowing. The sheer scale and coordination is truly something to behold and this movie is worth watching for this alone. There are other set pieces that would stand this movie up as a decent popcorn action flick but that one sequence: wow.

Sometimes you just have to doff your cap and say "we'll played sir"

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9/10

Outdoes the original.

fknmad098 October 2023

You don't always watch a sequel that's better than the original, but Extraction 2 is miles ahead of the original. The action is almost non-stop (save for a bit of down time half way through) and the story line is much deeper that the first. Hemsworth really shows us what he's worth, and Farahani, Bessa, Gogrichiani all do a top notch job to keep the action going. It seems that this genre has been lacking lately, but Extraction 1&2 let you know with a knockout punch that your faith has been restored. Now, I'm sure I'm not the only one hoping that there is a third installment. I mean, the ending of Extraction 2 was just begging for one, no?

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6/10

even bigger

ferguson-615 June 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Our favorite fearless, black-market mercenary is back ... and this time it's personal! (read that line with your best "In a world" voice). Well, initially, Tyler Rake is only back while comatose after his last job nearly got him killed. When he awakens, his finely-tuned body is broken and in need of repair and recovery. Of course, it's only a matter of time before his particular set of skills are back in demand. A visit from a mysterious man (Idris Elba) provides a personal offer that spurs Rake into 'Rocky Balboa' training mode, replete with chickens and wood-chopping.

Director Sam Hargrave and writer Joe Russo stick to the formula that worked in their popular EXTRACTION from 2020, only this time they go even bigger. Mr. Hargrave is a long-time stunt coordinator and Mr. Russo often works with his own brother Anthony on Marvel movies, so you can expect an overdose of action sequences, fight scenes, and shootouts. And regardless of how many of each you expect, the film will very likely deliver more. It is relentless in its commitment to action ... never more so than the elaborately staged prison break. It's a remarkable action sequence that lasts about 20 minutes and includes guns, knives, explosives, car chases, helicopters, and most anything else ever seen in a battle. One key difference is that the first film's cinematographer, Newton Thomas Sigel, has been replaced by Greg Baldi, creating a different look and style to the film.

Chris Hemsworth returns as Tyler Rake, and the actor has publicly stated that he's tired of playing Thor. It's difficult to imagine this role is more fulfilling, but perhaps he simply enjoys being the main attraction. Also returning in this sequel are Tyler's handler, Nik Khan (Golshifteh Farahani) and her brother Yaz (Adam Bessa). Their mission is to extract the sister of Tyler's ex-wife, along with two kids, from the prison where her evil gangster husband is serving time. As one might expect, the extraction goes sideways, and soon the gangster's equally evil brother (as proven earlier by his pitchfork handywork) is pursuing them in revenge. Bullets fly and bodies fall. Both sides are curiously well-equipped and better funded than many governments. Weapons and military equipment and soldiers seem to pop up instantaneously when trouble starts, and sometimes just before that. For those who enjoy over-the-top action and violence, get your popcorn ready.

In addition to worldclass bone-crunching, the participants enjoy worldclass globetrotting ... bouncing to and fro: Dubai, Georgia (the country, not the state), the Amalfi Coast, Austria, and Sydney. The two gangster brothers are played by Tornike Bziava and Tornike Gogrichiani, while the sister being rescued is Tinatin Dalakishvili, and her troubled son is played by Andro Japaridze. Appearing in only two scenes each are Olga Kurylenko and Idris Elba, although Mr. Elba's final scene seems to set the stage for his return in another sequel ... which if it occurs, we can assume will somehow have an even bigger bullet budget.

Streaming on Netflix beginning June 16, 2023.

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9/10

Undoubtedly a Remarkable Action Film

albertval-6956016 June 2023

A top-rank film in its genre. Amazing action sequences and first-rate production values. Simply a great action film with a couple of sobering moments, the hallmark of an unforgettable action flick.

The locations are excellent, too. Much of the film takes place in Donauplatte near the famous Danube River. The action scenes in a high-rise building in this area are incredible. The producers (among them, Chris Hemsworth, himself) didn't spare anything to make the scenes incredibly realistic--such death, destruction and mayhem in just one locale.

There's this scene early on where Tyler has hied away in the woods recovering from his injuries. He splits firewood then throws the ax hitting the trunk of a tree spot on from a distance. Shades of Mighty Thor hurling his impervious hammer at the galactic enemy.

Great cast; remarkable performances from Hemsworth, Iran-born Golshifteh Farahani, Adam Bessa and Tornike Gogrichiani. Hemsworth is different from other action stars because of the depth of his sensitivity. Something that reminds you of Pierce Brosnan.

It's also a reunion of sorts for Hemsworth and Idris Elba, the guardian of Asgard. Watch out for the well-known actor in a cameo role.

There's definitely going to be a Part 3 if you believe in Elba's character.

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6/10

Like a Call of Duty game set on 'very easy' mode!

zeki-416 June 2023

Loved the first one. It was excellent and set the bar so high, that a sequel could only disappoint.

There's a couple of great action setpieces in 'Extraction II' but that's pretty much it. It misses the same tension as found in the first one between the lead characters. All the bad guys - the standard eastern european thug - are cardboard characters, and it doesn't really offer anything new, except setting us up for yet another installment.

Unlike this sequel, Rake was really put through the ringer in the first one, and we've felt his struggle and it had many interesting characters, like Raja - foe turned friend - who I hope returns in the future.

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8/10

Considerably better than the first one which is quite rare

godsnames17 June 2023

A deeper story, more emotions, and even more spectacular action make this sequel way better than the original, contrary to Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian who gave 1 star out of 5 to this spectacular and rather entertaining project. He accused Chris Hemsworth of wanting more money for his troubles from Netflix, which may be true, but missed the point entirely by devaluing a modern action movie as money hungry crap. By all means, it is not. The story is much better because it humanizes its characters in a good sense, showing just enough - and not more - emotions to give it more layers than bang-bang. Golshifteh Farahani and Adam Bessa are both bullseye casting as so is Tornike Gogrichiani as the villain. The acting, camerawork, editing and most notably the score all shows unquestionable high production values of a Hollywood blockbuster. It is a modern action flick that leaves behind the past couple of decades' attempts, elevating it to the heights of the best James Bond and Mission Impossible efforts.

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6/10

If I were a woman, I'd have Chris' children.

troy-daniel-bush25 June 2023

It's like if Call of Duty® was made into a good movie.

Just like the first one, it succeeds in what it aims to be. The fight choreography is impressive, and the violence is brutal. It flies by. Chris Hemsworth gives a pretty good performance. And the characters-at least the main ones-are simple but likable. Which is all you need for a movie like this.

However, I think this is an improvement over its predecessor. The one-take action scenes are improved. It's a little more difficult to notice where the cuts are. The kills are a lot more brutal and creative. And the Nagazi felt like a legitimate threat. Also, personal point, I love me some badass chicks, and not only does Nik kick more ass in this movie than she did in the first one, but the ex-wife's sister kicks some ass herself. And it's a good thing the movie is aware of how Nik has to struggle to fight full-grown men because she's only half their size. Take notes, Hollywood.

The drama was pretty cheesy. The whole family drama thing kinda drags down the movie.

Also, Idris Elba... Come on. As soon as he came on I was like, "Yes! This movie is already better than the first one!" Him and Hemsworth onscreen together, the sex appeal is off the charts! I'd have that guy's children, too!

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5/10

BAD WRITING, kinda stupid

alnajjar-407 July 2023

Warning: Spoilers

Its a good action movie with a nonsense, dont get me wrong some of the fight scenes are good but some are just stupid. So he saves the friend (nick) from falling down and throws her to safety and tell her go help the woman, but she dosent have the time even a sec to shoot the bad guy .. i mean they were both hanging around in the air like setting ducks !!!! Seriously. I mean cmon chris shoots two helicopters down while the train is moving and the heavy machine gun just happen to be next to him!! GIVE ME A BREAK RESPECT THE BRAIN MAN. I know some ppl may like this kinda movie but in my opinion the first one was more believable.

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Brilliant action

criscrossin20 June 2023

The best action movie I have seen for a very long time. Script was taut and the subplots were brief and to the point. They didn't distract from the main storyline. It's difficult to create new ways to show action nowadays, all seems repetitive but this movie of Russo brothers breaks new frontiers.

The characters are believable. Specially the main lead was almost finished when we saw the end of part one. Somehow he is resurrected. And that's the only thing which is difficult to swallow. The main antagonist is menacing, calculative and dogmatic enough to make him a strong adversary. The set pieces at the skyscraper was a bit messy but acceptable. Enjoyed the movie.

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