'Extraction 2' Review: Chris Hemsworth is on fire as there’s no breather when it comes to action
Spoilers for 'Extraction 2'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Gone are the days when people associated Chris Hemsworth with ‘Thor’ because Tyler Rake has taken over the town. In 2020, Hemsworth took on the role of Rake in ‘Extraction’ and in 2023, he has made a comeback like never before. At first glance, ‘Extraction 2’ might seem like a mirror held against the first movie but as it progresses, you will realize that ‘Extraction 2’ actually stands out brilliantly on its own.
For some context, ‘Extraction 2’ begins with Rake’s recovery after his brush against death in the first movie. The first 15 minutes will have you wondering if Rake has given up on work and life but if you have seen the trailer of ‘Extraction 2’, you know that isn’t the case. Hemsworth continues to embody Rake in the most perfect way possible, making ‘Extraction 2’ a thrilling watch for all.
‘Extraction 2’ delivers the action promised
Before ‘Extraction 2’ hit the screens, there was a lot of action promised by Hemsworth, as well as director Sam Hargrave. Given the intensity of the first movie, one couldn’t help but wonder just how much extreme ‘Extraction 2’ would be, and well, they have delivered like never before. ‘Extraction 2’ follows two Georgian brothers, Zurab and Davit, whose crimes surpass anything we have seen in this franchise yet. However, the focus isn’t all their crimes, but one particular, which involves Davit imprisoning his wife and children, under the pretense of protection, but it is well established that isn’t the case.
The first handful of minutes focus on Rake’s so-called retirement, and then eventually, his getting back into action when his ex-wife, Mia’s sister, and her family are in danger. Yes, the family in question is the same one Davit is keeping imprisoned. Rake knows that this is his moment, and when he’s back in action, there’s no stopping him. The prison break scene where Rake tried to get the family, Ketevan, Sandro and Nina out of the hell hole, is pure action. ‘Extraction 2’ doesn’t miss a single beat during this scene, with men dying left, right, and center as Rake ruthlessly fights them. There will be moments that might you flinch, but it is worth it all.
There are barely any moments of normalcy in ‘Extraction 2’ and there’s no breather when it comes to action. It’s one thing after another, and you have to be an action aficionado to keep up with his movie. Helicopters, cars, bombs, countless dead bodies, there’s a little bit of…or well, a lot of everything in ‘Extraction 2.’
Hemsworth steals the show
‘Extraction 2’ has a notable cast that includes Tinatin Dalakishvili, Olga Kurylenko, Tornike Gogrichiani, Adam Bessa, and Golshifteh Farahani. Of course, Idris Elba has also joined the franchise with his suave, humorous, and mysterious vibe, but Hemsworth steals the show. Nobody can do it as he can, and after ‘Extraction 2’ there needs to be another poll on “Which Chris is the best Chris?” because Hemsworth will have Chris Evans, Chris Pine, and Chris Pratt beat after this movie.
Of course, the action that Hemsworth is always a part of is the icing on the cake, but there are elements that make this cake so good. The cake is ‘Extraction 2’ in this context. Hemsworth’s portrayal of Rake and exhibiting a range of emotions, and embracing his lost fatherhood truly add beautifully to ‘Extraction 2.’ Hemsworth has the opportunity to showcase his versatility in ‘Extraction 2’ and he does exactly that, time and again. One can only hope Hemsworth continues to return as Rake for years to come.
You can stream ‘Extraction 2’ exclusively on Netflix from June 16, 2023.