EXTRACTION (2020)

Directed By: Sam Hargrave
Written By: Joe Russo
Based On A Story By: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo & Ande Parks
Based on the Graphic Novel “Ciudad” By: Ande Parks
Cinematography: Newton Thomas Sigel
Editor: Ruthie Aslan & Peter B. Ellis

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Golshifteh Farahani, Adam Bessa, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, David Harbour

In an underworld of weapons dealers and traffickers, a young boy becomes the pawn in a war between notorious drug lords. Trapped by kidnappers inside one of the world's most impenetrable cities, his rescue beckons the unparalleled skill of a mercenary named Tyler Rake, but Rake is a broken man with nothing to lose, harboring a death wish that makes an already deadly mission near impossible.

Sure we’ve seen this before but this film, Though it has an over intensity and relies on tension throughout the action in a precise way. That leads to inventive quick action sequences. That makes you feel like you are there in the middle of the action and intensity.

This feels like a 1980’s action film with a man on mission vibes but also a solo hero giving of himself. One of Chris Hemsworth's few true starring roles. As this is one of his first real. non-franchise starring roles in a while if not counting his supporting roles and ensemble movies. 

He is good and proves himself not another faceless action hero. Here he proves to be memorable as has gravitas and can pull off the more dramatic scenes. Here he truly shows leading man instincts instead of stepping into a known role. He finally gets to make this character his own.

The film feels non stop but In a good way as it keeps moving and keeps you invested the whole time. 

There is a lot of violence and many lives lost amongst the battles and the film is willing to show cruelty to children but shows them doing bad deeds as a means for survival. So they are just as likely to pay the price. In the movies kill or be killed mindset.

This is a Netflix original movie that feels more cinematic than its others. This would be best viewed on any big screen you can find and could have actually been a hit movie in theaters. Though will admit the sudden cameo by David Harbour feels like Netflix making the production add one of their stars (or STRANGER THINGS fame) to the cast 

This is a strong directorial debut by Sam Hargrave as he proves he can keep the audience's interests And have the action never feel familiar or played out. The sequences feel fresh and grounded. 

There is a 12-minute single action take that is a sight to be seen.

The film allows for a modern edge with a sensitive hero.  Even as This is definitely a movie that feels like male bonding. 

This is a survival tale that brings us into a war movie but is really about the survival and delivering of a human package. A warrior who has lost his heart and needs something or someone to live or die for. Where his mind is clouded with more danger then the physical ones he must face 

A mercenary tale where no one really has a change of heart or grows one as any and most actions are part of completing the mission. 

GRADE: B-