Action

‘Extraction 2’ Review | Bigger, bolder, and more bombastic in every possible way

Published

3 months ago

June 15, 2023

Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake in 'Extraction 2'

In 2020, the Russo Brothers and Chris Hemsworth teamed up to take viewers on an enthralling with action-flick ‘Extraction’. The entire world was forced to spend time inside their homes because of the COVID-19 pandemic and streaming platforms turned out to be one of the biggest sources of entertainment. The aforementioned title became a runaway hit for Netflix and became one of the most-watched movies in the streamer’s history. So, it doesn’t come as a shock that Netflix was interested in having more adventures in the ‘Extraction’ universe and has come out with a sequel, titled ‘Extraction 2’. And if you are a fan of action movies, then you are in for a thrilling ride.

The 2020 film ended with a massive cliffhanger and kept everyone guessing if Tyler Rake (Hemsworth) had died after falling off of a bridge while completing his mission in Bangladesh. The sequel doesn’t waste any time in answering that question. It’s better not to reveal that part because it might ruin the viewing experience. So, after it is revealed that Rake survived the fall, we see the mercenary starting a new life. Nik and Yaz help him in finding a new place where he can rejuvenate. A few days later, a man dressed in a black suit (Idris Elba) pays him a visit and gives him a new task. This time, his mission is to rescue his ex-wife’s sister and her two children from a Georgian prison. He teams up with Nik and Yaz to embark on a rescue mission. Without any guesses, this task is not without its challenges as his team must navigate through the crosshairs of a lethal Georgian militia led by the brother of the imprisoned husband, Zurab.

Director Sam Hargrave has helmed the sequel and he has not disappointed. The sequel manages to deliver in all the ways the first one fell short, making it a great example of a franchise that figures it out. Hargrave’s directing skills in the first movie were appreciated by one and all, but he knew that he had to give something extraordinary to the viewers this time around and that is quite evident throughout the film. The well-choreographed action sequences and chase sequences keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Also, the one-shot action sequence in the movie is not a gimmick to make the movie look cool, but an integral part of the story. That particular scene is exhilarating and shot in the most precise way possible.

Hemsworth gets another chance to show off his action movie chops and delivers a gritty performance that shows his acting prowess. Apart from Hemsworth, the supporting cast also get their chance to shine, particularly Golshifteh Farahani and Adam Bessa. It’s a travesty that Farahani doesn’t get many chances to play a lead role and we hope ‘Extraction 2’ changes that. On the other hand, Tornike Gogrichiani (Zurab), Tinatin Dalakishvili (Ketevan), Andro Jafaridze (Sandro), Miriam and Marta Kovziashvili (Nina) have given brilliant performances as well.

Another thing that the sequel does extremely well is to strike a perfect balance between action and character work. It’s good that the makers realized that they needed something more than just slam-bang action to make viewers interested in the sequel.

Despite being good in so many areas, the script still remains to be the weakest part of the movie. It was quite evident that Joe Russo wrote a story that suited Hargrave’s talents and the filmmaker didn’t disappoint.

All in all, ‘Extraction 2’ is a sequel that truly evolves and upsets the ante in exciting ways. It is bigger, bolder, and more bombastic than its predecessor. Netflix should give Hargave and Hemsworth a chance to build this into a bigger franchise because it has the legs to become something really huge.

‘Extraction 2’ is scheduled to hit cinemas on Friday, June 16th.

FILM RATING

Action

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom | Official Trailer

Arthur must enlist the help of his half-brother Orm in order to protect Atlantis against Black Manta, who has unleashed a devastating weapon in his obsessive quest to avenge his father’s death.

Published

7 days ago

September 14, 2023

Staff

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom [credit: Warner Bros. / DC]

Genre:

Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Release Date:

December 20, 2023

Director:

James Wan

Cast:

Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Plot Summary:

Arthur must enlist the help of his half-brother Orm in order to protect Atlantis against Black Manta, who has unleashed a devastating weapon in his obsessive quest to avenge his father’s death.

FILM RATING

Action

Retribution Movie Review: Mildly Explosive

Published

2 weeks ago

September 6, 2023

Jacques van Zyl

Lionsgate Films

The following piece was written during the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie, Retribution, being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Plot

When a mysterious caller puts a bomb under Matt Turner’s car seat, he begins a high-speed chase across the city to complete a specific series of tasks. With his kids trapped in the back seat and a bomb that will explode if they get out of the car, a normal commute becomes a twisted game of life or death as Matt follows the stranger’s increasingly dangerous instructions in a race against time to save his family.

*Liam Neeson as Matt Turner (Lionsgate Films)*

Did You Know?

This movie is the third remake of the movie titled Retribution.

In 2015, a Spanish-language adaptation, The Stranger (El desconocido) was released. This was the first Retribution movie. A dishonest banker pays the ultimate price for his wrongdoings when he is held hostage in his own speeding car by a bomb-making extortionist.

In 2018, a German-language adaptation, Don’t. Get. Out! (Steig. Nicht. Aus!) was released in Germany. A loving father and husband is extorted by an unknown guy and he is about to lose his life, his money and his family

In 2021, a Korean version, Hard Hit (Balsinjehan) was released. On his way to work, a bank manager receives an anonymous call claiming there’s a bomb under his car seat, and if anyone exits the car, it will explode unless he can pay a ransom.

Movie Review

Liam Neeson plays the role of Matt Turner, and is literally in the ‘hot seat’ throughout most of the movie. The movie eases you into the drama and the suspense keeps building as the time passes. No time is wasted to bring A small cast brought an intense situation to life in Retribution, and I need to compliment, especially Liam Neeson, Jack Champion and Lilly Aspell, who played the parts of Matt Turner, Zach Turner and Emily Turner respectively for playing the part in the car to perfection. A plot twist is delivered at the end, but the ending is not as explosive as the bomb in the car.

Overall my rating is 3 out of 5 for the Retribution. There is no post-credits scene, so no need to wait till the end. The trailer doesn’t spoil too much of the movie and serves as a great appetizer for Retribution.

Catch the trailer, and watch Retribution at a cinema near you.

FILM RATING

Action

Sound of Freedom Movie Review: A Movie That Moves

Published

4 weeks ago

August 22, 2023

Jacques van Zyl

Sound of Freedom (Angel Studios)

Plot

Based on the gripping true story of a man’s mission to rescue children from the darkest corners of the world. This action-packed drama shines a light on the harrowing reality of sex trafficking and the valiant efforts of those who work tirelessly to combat it. After rescuing a boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent, Tim Ballard, learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death.

More About Tim Ballard

Tim Ballard spent more than a decade working as a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security, where he was assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and deployed as an undercover operative for the U.S. Child Sex Tourism Jump Team.

He has worked in that role and has seen every type of case in the fight to dismantle child trafficking rings. He’s worked in the United States and in multiple foreign countries to infiltrate child trafficking organizations. He has successfully dismantled dozens of these organizations and rescued children from slavery and exploitation.

While working for the government, Ballard saw how much more is needed in the fight against child trafficking and exploitation across the world. In 2013, he and a team of former government operatives left the security of their careers to accomplish the work of rescuing children as a private foundation – Operation Underground Railroad.

Read more about the work Operation Underground Railroad is doing in the fight against sex trafficking.

Movie Review

The movie starts off immediately with a scene depicting a potential scenario in how human traffickers lure unsuspecting victims into their hold, through job interviews and modelling auditions. The first savior moment is short-lived as the protagonist learns there are more victims, with the focus being on the sister. The story keeps you glued to the screen. Just as you think that the big moment is now, you realize there are so more hurdles, making this more than just a movie, but making it real for so many viewers. A special message was shared in the mid-credits as well as a photo of Tim Ballard.

The movie really hits home with the message of child trafficking. You could feel every emotion in this movie, every tear was felt, the fear and anxiety shared amongst fellow moviegoers and the message was delivered in a way to inspire and give hope to others to join the fight against a crime that is taking place worldwide.

Jim Caviezel plays the part of Tim Ballard and his performance was truly spectacular. I really want to applaud the cast of Sound of Freedom and Angel Studios for bringing this masterpiece to life.

I rate this movie a 5 out of 5. The movie delivers a message that is powerful, eye-opening and a life-changer. I left the cinemas in tears, not just of sadness but of hope as well. I hope this movie reaches everyone and touches the hearts of many. I also want to thank the donors who are making it possible for others to watch this movie. Share the link of Angel Studios with your family and friends and invite them to access a movie ticket or to pay it forward so that more people can watch Sound of Freedom.

In closing, I hope you get to experience Sound of Freedom on the big screen. God’s children are not for sale, and I encourage you to join the fight to end child trafficking.

Catch the trailer, and watch Sound of Freedom at a cinema near you.