Posted: 12/22/2009

Extract

by Michael J. Nicholas

Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig and Ben Affleck star in writer/director Mike Judge’s latest production, Extract, a blue-collar look at life and times between the goofy characters employed at a food-extract plant. Bateman plays Joel Reynold, sole owner who is looking to cash in by selling the business for a shot at early retirement. But once a workplace accident sets off a series of misfortunes, Joel’s company and personal life is put in jeopardy.

The film has great supporting acting by the likes of Dustin Milligan, Clifton Collins Jr., T.J. Miller, Beth Grant and rocker Gene Simmons, who plays agressive bus bench lawyer Joe Adler. Unlike Mike Judge’s ‘Idiocracy’, this film is more mild-mannered and laid-back which gives it a very realistic, day-in-the-life feel to it. Along the lines of Office Space for sure, but still scaled back in whackiness. This one might not win any awards but it’s worth the time and price of admission.

Special Features include the following:

- Mike Judge’s Secret Recipe-What are the ingredients of a classic Mike Judge film? Go straight to the factory floor to uncover the writer and director’s secrets. From shooting in a real working factory to the unique cast of characters and situations, Mike Judge always seems to have the right recipe.

- Extended Scenes – 5 scenes featuring extended portions with Joel, Dean and Brad that didn’t make the final cut of the film. (Blu-ray only)

- Deleted Scene-Straight from the factory floor, watch this exclusive deleted scene where Dean explains his rather abrupt departure from Willie’s party the night before and finds out Joel got punched in the face. (Blu-ray only)

The Vocabulariast Exclusive Edition includes all of the above and the following:
- Cheating: Mike Judge Says It’s O.K.
– A Thematical Analysis of Extract by The Vocabulariast
Mila Kunis – An Examination of how a girl who was merely average on her TV show turned hot in movies

Michael J. Nicholas - a.k.a. Nicky The Note - reviews, opinions & life lessons.

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