Movie Info:
Writer: Mike Judge
Director: Mike Judge
Cast: Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, Ben Affleck, J.K. Simmons, Clifton Collins Jr., Dustin Milligan, David Koechner, Beth Grant
Rating: R
Studio: Miramax
Release Info:
Original Theatrical Release Date: September 4, 2009
DVD Release Date: December 22, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $24.49
I expected more from the creator of Beavis and Butthead. I grew up watching what Mike Judge had to offer, so coming in with the knowledge that he was the brains behind Extract made me want to see this movie. From the trailer, it looked funny. I’m not a huge comedy lover. I like cartoon-style comedy or cynical comedy more than any other type. So, I was expecting that same sarcastic style of humor Judge is known for through the other work he has done. Not so. While Extract has some so stupid they’re funny moments, on the whole, the movie is an epic fail.
The cast isn’t bad for a comedy. There are likable actors in this film and nary an actor gives a bad performance. Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, Ben Affleck, and J.K. Simmons have all succeeded, at some point in their career, when doing comedy. However, Extract isn’t exactly their shining moment. Yes, I did laugh in certain parts. Yes, the actors have their moments of funny, but the cohesiveness of these moments does not translate to a particularly funny script. I was expecting laugh out loud, humor along the same vein of Judge’s other stupid but funny works. This was certainly stupid, but it wasn’t near funny enough.
Where I feel Extract fails the most is in the script. The acting, as I said, only suffers because the actor’s do not have anything funny to work with. The direction Judge was going in is clear. The script, the writing, the storytelling if you will sends the movie into some fairly unfunny places. I especially found the ending to be particularly lame. I don’t expect comedies to typically be based in reality because most of them could never ever happen in a lifetime. I do expect them to not sink to beyond moronic levels though and the entire ending (from Suzie cleaning the pool onward) is just to lame=brained for my intelligence to appreciate.
I am finding, through the opinions of others I’ve spoken to who have seen this movie that this is a love it or hate it affair. Some think it is worthy as a Mike Judge creation, while others, like myself wonder what Judge was thinking when he wrote the script. Honestly, Judge should just give us a new Beavis and Butthead movie (and make sure to feature Daria in it), because at least those are characters Mike Judge fans know, love and wouldn’t mind seeing make an appearance in the 21st century.
Extract Plot
Jason Bateman plays a man who founded/run/owns a flavor-extract company. As Joel, he is the head of Reynold’s Extract, a successful business, but despite that, Joel’s life seems empty. His big problem is that he is not having sex with his wife Suzie (Kristen Wiig). In fact, the two haven’t had sex in over a mont hand it has taken its toll on Joel. Joel has also had to deal with his employees and their displeasure with their job. Of course, Joel is too uptight to take the drugs his best friend, Dean (Ben Affleck), who works as a bartender, offers him to try and calm Joel down.
When something goes awry at the Extract factory, one of his employee’s, Step (), ends up losing one of his balls (yes we’re talking about the ones in his pants). Initially, Step has no plans to sue the Extract Company, but that all changes when he’s convinced by con-woman turned new Extract employee, Cindy (Mila Kunis) convinces him otherwise. With Cindy’s advice, Step hires a lawyer, Joe Adler (Gene Simmons), who has an affinity for chasing ambulances.
As if things could not get any weirder, Joel decides to let loose. He goes to the bar with Dean and accidentally ingests ketamine, which makes him agree to hire a male floozy to seduce his wife and have an affair with her. He hires Brad (Milligan) to pretend to be the pool boy and seduce Suzie. Having second thoughts, Joel realizes he’s too late to stop the affair. In his despair, he turns to Cindy, for comfort, not realizing her truly, diabolical intentions.
Storyline/Plot: 
Replayability:
Acting:
Directing:
Audio/Visual:
This isn’t a flawless release when it comes to the visual quality. Extract is presented on Blu-Ray in a 1080p, 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The colors are the biggest problem, especially concerning the skin tones. Black levels aren’t as sharp as they should be and color correction is needed throughout much of this movie. The action has occasional instances of blur and things just don’t look as sharp as they should. This transfer was a big disappointment; almost more than the fact that this movie really sucked.
The 5.1 DTS, English soundtrack is okay, but not standout. I want action. I want explosions even in moments with no explosions. That just does not happen here. The bass is kept to a minimum, sound is pushed to the front of the speakers, and I can’t really complain too much about this, because the dialogue for this film is crisp and clear. This audio just lacks a major sense of dynamics, and even if it might not need this, I’m still disappointed.
Visual:
Audio:
Bonus Features:
As far as bonuses go, there isn’t much here. I’ve included what is and brief descriptions of these things where necessary.
“Mike Judge’s Secret Recipe”: This feature lasts a little over ten minutes. It is a Behind the Scenes look at both Extract and Judge. If you like finding out how films came to be, this feature is right up your alley.
A Selection of Extended Scenes found only on the Blu-Ray. These aren’t entertaining all that much and I can see why cuts were made.
One very small Deleted Scene.
Some trailers for When in Rome, Surrogates, and The Boys are Back.
As far as Blu-Rays go, these offerings suck.
Bonus Features:
Bottom Line:
I was pretty disappointed after watching Extract. I’ve been a fan of Mike Judge since the Beavis and Butthead days so I was expecting something a bit funnier from him. It seems as if critics either seem to love or hate this movie, so my best advice to you is to rent this if you like comedy or are a Mike Judge fan. You will not want to buy it if you do not like it, of course, and you may be like me. Just don’t expect that kind of awesomeness we got from the cult like television shows he has created and you might enjoy the stupid humor in this film. As far as Blu-Ray goes, this release got a pathetic release on Blu-Ray. If you decide you like this, I recommend buying it on DVD instead and saving a few bucks, in the process.
Overall Rating:
Technorati Tags: Extract, Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, Ben Affleck, comedy, Mike Judge, Blu-Ray, Review, Movie, Film
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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics, his religion (Hellenic Reconstructionism) and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.
