Reviews are out for the sequel to 2020’s Chris Hemsworth-led action thriller “Extraction” and in a surprising twist – the movie could be one of the most well-received films of this week.
With 48 reviews counted, the film has racked up an 81% (6.5/10) score on Rotten Tomatoes, which puts it notably ahead of the first film’s 67% (6.2/10).
More surprisingly is that it’s also coming in ahead of the week’s other releases, including “The Flash” at 68% (6.4/10), and even Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City” at 73% (7.0/10) and Pixar’s “Elemental” at 76% (6.4/10). It us only being beaten by horror-comedy “The Blackening” at 83% (6.9/10).
On Metacritic its scores are worse with a 53/100 compared to both the original “Extraction” and “The Flash” at 56, “Elemental” at 59, “The Blackening” at 69, and “Asteroid City” at 76.
The film has gone to great lengths to discuss how practically everything was done with very minimal CG – including a major train sequence involving a helicopter which employed stunt performers, para-jumpers and army rangers to pull off – the only CG being “background and back plates”.
Here’s a sampling of review quote:
“Even seasoned pros and cinephiles will gape and wonder how they pulled off any number of the shots and sequences here… This may not be a particularly good film, but you’ll definitely see things here in a way that you’ve never seen them before.” – Todd McCarthy, Deadline
“There is no story, no stakes, and no humanity in Sam Hargrave’s sequel to his 2020 film. But as pure, brutal action, it is undeniably impressive.” – Jordan Hoffman, TV Guide
“Suffice it to say that if you enjoyed Extraction, you’ll have a fine time with this one, which, in typical franchise fashion, busts its butt attempting to outdo its predecessor.” – Frank Scheck, THR
“It’s an assault on the senses, especially the ears and the nerves, but it’s also a satisfyingly merciless action thriller that manages to build on the scale and ambition of the first. Roll on the inevitable threequel.” – Helen O’Hara, Empire
“When this thing moves — and, wow, does it ever — it offers one of the best examples yet of what Netflix bucks can buy.” – Kate Erbland, Indiewire
“Much like the original feature, “Extraction 2” has real power where it counts the most, presenting sustained chaos and a simple story of protection and pursuit.” – Brian Orndorf, Blu-ray.com
“Feeling inessential and disposable, a cog in a machine rather than something unique, Extraction 2 is a snapshot of a sequel in this moment, bigger, expanded and even less necessary.” – Mark Olsen, LA Times
“The first Extraction was entertaining enough but this new one is just cynically about extracting the cash.” – Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
“Extraction 2” will be available to stream on Netflix from tomorrow, June 16th.
