Marvel masterminds the Russo Brothers have breathed life into a seemingly waning genre with their "Extraction" film series. In these films, we typically encounter an all-too-familiar character, an efficient executioner whose past is steeped in bloodshed. He is seeking solace from the chaos yet inevitably dragged back into the fray. Trapped within a troubled history and internal turmoil, this character is brought to life with startling intensity.
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Film critic Robert Brian Taylor refers to this as the "Melancholic Action Hero" genre. None fits this mold better than Chris Hemsworth in his portrayal of Tyler Rake. Hemsworth's skillful performance succeeds in making this larger-than-life character relatable and human. His acting prowess is unarguably on par with, if not surpassing, action legends such as Schwarzenegger and Stallone at their peak. He showcases impressive versatility. From playing a deceiving dimwit to the almighty Thor, Hemsworth brings a nuanced touch of melancholy to his roles. This is an aspect particularly explored in the "Extraction" series.
In the series, Tyler Rake, a former Australian Army Special Forces soldier, chose duty over family during his son's battle with a terminal illness. When his son succumbed, Tyler was absent. This lead to the crumbling of his marriage and his descent into the life of a mercenary. This profound guilt fuels his journey in the "Extraction" series. In essence, Tyler's voyages symbolize quests for redemption, in a world populated by his shadowy reflections, flawed fathers whose egotistical motivations harm their children.
The inaugural "Extraction" film portrays Tyler on a mission to rescue a drug lord's abducted son in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Through this mission, Tyler seeks to atone for his past mistakes, while also serving as a stand-in father for the boy he protects. The subsequent film introduces a new character, played by Idris Elba, who conveys a message from Tyler's Georgian ex-wife. Her family is in prison by her drug-dealing husband Davit in Georgia, and Tyler has the task to liberate them. The plot then becomes increasingly complex, but essentially, it involves three extended action sequences interspersed with slight character development.
The most notable scene involves a breathtaking 21-minute action spectacle depicting Tyler's perilous escape with the family from the prison. Sam Hargrave, the film's director and former stunt coordinator, takes the technique of long-take sequences to its extreme. He creates a spectacle that's as visually stunning as it is immersive. The scene has a distinctly videogame-esque feel. The camera navigating the chaos of the action like a first-person shooter game. It pushes the boundaries of physics and on-screen authenticity. Despite minor flaws in believability and some overly ambitious shots, the sequence stands out as a remarkable achievement in cinematic choreography.
The two other major sequences draw inspiration from the original "Die Hard" and John Woo's dual-protagonist classics, like "The Killer." Despite the frenzied editing and occasionally shaky camera work, these segments remain impressive, albeit overshadowed by the preceding prison escape scene.
The narrative also explores a subplot revolving around Sandro, a child trained to follow his father and uncle's criminal footsteps, who grapples with his legacy of violence. Yet, those familiar with the Melancholic Action Hero genre can predict the trajectory of this subplot.
The performers, including Hemsworth, show commendable commitment to their roles, effectively tackling the emotional complexities in the script. However, the dramatic depth of the film remains somewhat limited, with its relentless pursuit of action sequences overshadowing character development. Yet, the "Extraction" series remains a cut above the rest by attempting to ground its action-packed narratives in a semblance of reality and giving its characters more than just tropes to play.
The "Extraction" series, though rated "R," seems to target a younger demographic. It successfully captures the disillusionment that often accompanies the realization that our once-heroic parents are flawed humans. Even though the series leans towards an audience hungry for action over characterization, it still manages to strike a chord with its exploration of the human aspects of its characters.
