Movie Review: A Subtly Sweet Extract

Extract is exactly the film you'd expect from the creator of King of the Hill, though not from the director of Office Space or Idiocracy.

Mike Judge, of course, is both, and has earned himself modest mainstream success for his television show and cult idolatry for his live-action, big screen ventures. The rumors of 20th Century Fox's mishandling of Idiocracy is legendary, and Office Space was ignored in theaters but eventually rose to usurp Dilbert as the king of comedy for the cubicle-dwelling masses.

Both films have rightfully earned their devotees, but were a bit more broad in their execution (especially Idiocracy) than his most recent release, which echoes the sweet-natured, working class humor of his animated series. In fact, it has been quite a while since a comedy has felt this real, this organic, without resorting to zany antics for its yuks. Even a workplace accident in which a character loses part of an appendage that reads like a Farrelly Brothers comedic fever dream, is treated with care and respect, and without relying on an endless stream of obvious gags on the matter.

The ever-reliable Jason Bateman is Joel, the put-upon owner of a small-but-successful food additive company in which the above mentioned accident takes place. This disrupts plans for a possible acquisition deal and prompts the attention of a curvy grifter.

Joel's home life is no better, with a stalled marriage, overbearing neighbors, and hopes of early retirement quickly dissolving. Joel's only escape is perhaps the one person who could most likely do even more damage, his carefree comrade Dean (played by Ben Affleck, who could pass as the Son of The Dude). Dean is convinced most of life's problems can be settled by some sort of illegal drug use, which usually leads to ill-advised plots and schemes.

Continued on the next page Page 1 — Page 2

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for rob-rector

Article Author: Rob Rector

Rob actually gets paid to see film, and has for the past 15 years. He is very appreciative that he has the coolest job on the planet. He also teaches film in college and started an independent film festival in his hometown.

Visit Rob Rector's author pageRob Rector's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own
  • Idiocracy Idiocracy

    From Mike Judge, one of the creative minds behind Beavis and Butt-Head, King of the Hill and Office Space, comes an outrageous sci-fi comedy that'll make you think twice about the future of mankind. ...

  • Office Space - Special Edition with Flair (Widescreen Edition) Office Space - Special Edition with Flair (Widescreen Edition)

Article comments

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for Feb 09, 2010

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for January

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs

Upcoming Stories from Blogcritics
  •