Extraction 2

Amazing “single-take” scenes, solid stunt choreography (pity about the blatant CGI in the explosions, crashes, etc., though), without any bollocks, dialogue outbursts or wisecracks during the action; it just rolls along at an exciting pace. And with sheer action filling well over half the running time, there is undeniably much to be genuinely excited about. But... It trips over its own feet with the opening and the ending. The first action set-piece happens in the 20th minute, and all that mandatory “let’s pretend we have a story and characters” filler would be sorted out in five minutes in a timeless action flick. Also, the climax has the problem that the final showdown (itself solid) is significantly overshadowed by all the previous action passages. (2023-06-17)

Another hellish ride full of action, violence, blood, shootings and everything that a genre film like this should have. Technically, the film is top notch, the explosions, helicopter collisions and bombing all around are of the highest standard and I'd say meticulously executed to perfection and all I need for total satisfaction is more bloodshed on the part of the "good guys", to make it more believable, and more brutal violent sequences to satisfy my craving for gore. But other than that it's a first class action film that is a feast for the eyes and second to none. (2023-06-16)

Sam Hargrave is steadily building a strong brand in Hollywood. There aren't many stunt franchises like this in the current market, especially ones as successful (John Wick is still the best, let's not kid ourselves). I had high expectations for Extraction 2. I was hoping they'd take the action up another notch, and they succeeded. The one-shot sequence was breathtaking; the stunt performers and especially the cameramen really went all out. For me, the best part was definitely the sequence with the helicopter landing on a moving train; I was absolutely amazed (the film is full of unconventional ideas). Besides the flawless action, the setting has also shifted; we visit Georgia and Vienna. I’m not sure why, but the Indian setting in the first film interested me more. The story doesn’t offer much intrigue (India was better in this respect)... That annoying kid, Sandro, will probably haunt me in my dreams, he's a terrible character... I’m looking forward to the third film, but the first one still holds the top spot for me. I give it 7.5/10. (2023-06-25)

The Count arises from the death in a sequel drowning in the foolishness of one young Georgian. Hemsworth and Hargrave have put their hearts in Extraction 2 and you can see it. The 20-minute single-shot jailbreak scene goes a hair further than the passage through Dhaka in the previous film. One thing that disappointed me is how dark things are, there are parts where you can’t see anything. The tough one-liners and the bloody final confrontation in the church are a real treat. The visual effects are average, but it doesn’t matter. Surprisingly fine, however, is the glue in the form of memories of the hero's past and trauma. (2023-06-16)

It makes me proud that the pumped-up and visually irresistible action scene from the prison was filmed right here in the Czech Republic. The stunts, camera, and other related work are top-notch, making Extraction 2 one of the biggest events outside of traditional cinema distribution. How much more shocking it is, then, that the plot, which only serves as a necessary complement to the first installment, stretches clichés that I thought had been abandoned in the 1990s, and the events on the Georgian side of the barricade suddenly become an unwanted parody. (2023-06-19)