Movie Review:Extraction 2

April 2020: as COVID-19 silently transformed from outbreak to global pandemic, the world retreated indoors under mandatory lockdowns. With entertainment options limited to the digital realm, Netflix served up its initial offering in what would become a burgeoning action franchise. The first “Extraction” arrived as an unambitious starter — a blandly scripted action vehicle redeemed primarily by its ferociously choreographed combat sequences and adrenaline-fueled chase scenes. Despite its formulaic approach, the film concluded with an ambiguous cliff-hanger that left viewers questioning the fate of its grizzled protagonist.

Three years later, “Extraction 2” answers that non-question within its opening moments, efficiently dispatching with the mystery of Tyler Rake’s (Chris Hemsworth) survival and recovery. This sequel wastes little time before plating its main course: a new mission that sends the resurrected mercenary to extract his ex-wife’s sister and her children from a Georgian prison where they’re being held captive at the behest of her incarcerated husband — one half of a psychotic sibling duo dealing in drugs and weapons.

What follows is a substantial upgrade from the original — a heartier, more satisfying entree that builds upon the franchise’s established strengths while addressing many of its predecessor’s shortcomings. Director Sam Hargrave, a former stunt coordinator whose expertise was evident even in the original’s most uninspired moments, returns with a more confident approach to both action and storytelling.

The centerpiece of this improved offering is an already-iconic prison break sequence that deserves recognition among action cinema’s most impressive set pieces. Hargrave crafts a bravura display of choreographed violence that titillates the palate with its ferocious intensity, highlighted by two standout moments: Tyler Rake throwing flame-engulfed punches during a chaotic prison riot, and — after taking a brick to the head — commandeering a riot shield from a guard to conduct a symphony of carnage.

From this spectacular beginning, “Extraction 2” straps viewers into a rollercoaster of escalating action sequences. The film delivers one viscerally satisfying course after another: close-quarter combat within speeding black SUVs, in-your-face fistfights filmed with intimate POV and over-the-shoulder camera angles aboard a moving train, and a vertigo-inducing skyscraper sequence that sees combatants dangling precariously from glass awnings.

Hargrave’s background in stunt coordination shines through each meticulously crafted action sequence. The camera work remains dynamic without becoming disorienting, allowing viewers to appreciate the brutality and athleticism on display. Unlike many contemporary action films that obscure their combat with frenetic editing, “Extraction 2” presents its violence with clarity and impact — each punch, stab, and gunshot registers with painful authenticity.

Between these adrenaline-pumping main courses, the film attempts to serve up emotional subplots regarding Rake’s past, his fractured family relationships, and the psychological toll of his violent profession. These elements function as palate cleansers between action sequences but never quite develop enough flavor to be memorable. The emotional beats feel perfunctory — obligatory garnishes on a plate where the protein (the action) commands all attention.

This imbalance hardly matters, however, as the film understands its primary purpose: to deliver creative, visceral action sequences that showcase Hemsworth’s physical capabilities and Hargrave’s talent for choreographing controlled chaos. The creatively mindless violence proves filling enough that viewers will forgive the undercooked emotional elements.

“Extraction 2” concludes with a clear indication that Netflix intends to offer a third course — a dessert already teased in the film’s final moments. The sequel successfully extracts a commitment from viewers to return for this promised finale, having substantially improved upon its predecessor’s recipe. The franchise has found its rhythm, balancing spectacular action set pieces with just enough character development to keep the violence from becoming completely hollow.

However, the film’s ending raises an important question about the franchise’s future. While “Extraction 2” leaves viewers satisfied and willing to return, it also suggests that Netflix should exercise restraint. The final hints of another installment are welcome, but the franchise would be wise to avoid transforming into an all-you-can-eat buffet gorge-fest in the tradition of the increasingly ridiculous “Fast and Furious” series — a franchise that began with relatively grounded car heists and gradually expanded to include physics-defying stunts and literal space travel.

“Extraction 2” represents a significant improvement over its predecessor — a more confident, creative, and satisfying action experience that delivers precisely what its target audience craves. It understands its strengths and plays to them shamelessly, offering spectacular violence choreographed with clarity and imagination.

While the film’s emotional elements never develop enough depth to be truly affecting, the sheer craftsmanship of its action sequences more than compensates. Hemsworth continues to prove himself a capable action lead, bringing physical commitment and just enough charm to make Tyler Rake an engaging, if not particularly complex, protagonist.

For action aficionados hungry for meticulously choreographed combat and chase sequences filmed with technical precision, “Extraction 2” offers a satisfying meal worth the price of subscription. It may not be haute cuisine, but it’s a well-prepared dish that knows exactly what it wants to be. 7/10