Poster courtesy of 3-Arts Entertainment
Writer/director Mike Judge has come back yet again with another water cooler comedy for the working class to relate with in his latest flick Extract.
The film centers around Joel(Jason Bateman), an owner of a small flavoring extract plant. His constant attention being focused on work has caused a rift at home with his wife Suzie(Kristen Wiig). Under the stress of an impending lawsuit, a crush on the new klepto employee(Mila Kunis), and his marriage souring he turns to his inept pothead friend Dean(Ben Affleck) for advice. Under Dean's tutelage, things begin to spin out of control and Joel's company and marriage begin crashing down around him, often with hilarious results.
The concept for the film is nothing new, but the dry writing of Judge and delivery by the well put together ensemble allow Extract to get the job done. What the film lacks in laugh-out-loud moments it makes up for with it's consistency in humor throughout it's ninety-minute duration.
In terms of plot, it is quite flimsy to say the least, but it should be noted that this may be the most realistic subject matter Judge has brought to the table. Realistic in the sense that the decisions that Joel makes while his chips are down are definitely ones any average human being could make without much consideration. That, or while under the influence of drugs and alchohol.
Is Extract Judge's best work? Not quite, as that honor still remains with Office Space. However, his efforts should be applauded by bringing a solid cast together to serve up characters that are somewhat memorable. Sadly, there is not much else left to say for the film, as it is a narrow-focused and simple picture that ultimately is resting the weight of it's success on it's star power.
Bryan's grade for Extract: B-
Extract is Rated R
Check out the trailer below.
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