There's been a lot of buzz comparing John Wick and Extraction. Yes, you can see why, but Extraction doesn't quite live up to John Wick. It lacks the wit, charm and whimsy of John Wick. There are some great sequences in Extraction, true, but it just doesn't match the seamless dance John Wick offers.
So, is it just a poor man's John Wick? Not quite. Extraction features a lot more drama, with attempts at building character and relationships. That said, all of these attempts feel half-baked, as the action is definitely in the forefront of the film. The chemistry between the kid and the Hemsworth is at the centre and shows signs of promise, but never really materializes convincingly. There are definitely some good performances here - particularly Hemsworth and Hooda - but overall, the drama is as formulaic as it gets. The twists are all by-the-numbers, and feel more designed to set up the next action sequence.
That's fine, though, if the action is well done. I'd rather prefer a John Wick or Mad Max approach featuring a minimalist narrative, but I'm willing to overlook any storytelling flaws. Fortunately, for the most part, the action sequences are pretty cool. There are some excellent sequences through the film, that had me on the edge of my seat, but there's also an equal amount of filler material. All of it is choreographed, shot and edited really well, but many of the sequences simply lack the imagination.
The much talked about 12 minute single shot is certainly quite the spectacle, though the "stitch" points are a bit too obvious. The bigger issue is that this sequence is completely out of place with the rest of the movie. Where you have movies like 1917 or Birdman going too far with the gimmick, you have Extraction here where there's literally just one shot in the entire movie following this style. The rest of the sequences are shot and edited more traditionally, but as I mentioned, it's all well thought out.
I don't think the movie is all that violent, though it may feel so because it lacks the stylisation or creativity of John Wick, and features a more realistic aesthetic. Most of the violence is contextual, and despite how far fetched the setting is, within its boundaries never feels forced or out of place.
Overall, Extraction is one of the better action blockbusters. It's all familiar material, but there are enough great action sequences to make it worth a watch. If you don't like action or violence, though, there's nothing much here for you. Do check out the bombastic trailer embedded above - it'll give you a pretty good sense of the movie.