Embracing the Indie Renaissance: A Call to Action for Thought-Provoking Films. Look, I love action movies. I’m thoroughly on record as such. Thoroughly. But man, Extraction 2, and other movies like it (John Wick 4 another perfect example) are just a bridge too far for me. In a world saturated with explosive blockbusters and never-ending action sequences, it’s time to question the formulaic approach that dominates the action movie genre. As cinephiles, it’s essential to advocate for independent films that dare to challenge the status quo, relying on innovative ideas rather than bloated budgets. Yes, Netflix and Extraction 2 aren’t the cause, but a symptom of a much deeper listlessness that exemplifies the very excesses that are hindering the evolution of action cinema. By prioritizing relentless action at the expense of character development and meaningful storytelling, these films inadvertently numb audiences rather than engage them.
The Endless Cycle of Chaos:
“Extraction 2,” much like its predecessor, immerses viewers in an unrelenting whirlwind of gunfire, car chases, and adrenaline-fueled escapes. From start to finish, the film hardly offers a moment’s respite, bombarding audiences with a barrage of explosions and near-miss encounters with nefarious adversaries. While this high-octane approach aims to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, it ultimately falls into a monotonous pattern that detracts from the immersive experience. I’ll be honest here… much of what I saw I enjoyed… right up until I turned it off halfway through. Wait, WHAT? that makes no sense! I know right. (Reminds me of David Foster Wallace’s Wünderkind article on the horrors of going on a cruise entitled: “On the (Nearly Lethal) Comforts of a Luxury Cruise“… this is the same idea. Constant violence isn’t the perfection of the action movie which is similar to the perfection of a cruise not helping its own cause.)
Now, I KNOW a ton of you are going to get REALLY pissy with me here… similar to the trashing that I took in the comment section of SISU… another constant violent-fest. Sisu is so constant in its violence that the protagonist doesn’t have a single line of dialogue until the last line of the movie. And when I spoke out against that movie, the vitriol was quick and exact in its response. But that’s OK, you are wrong if you disagree… and I’m sure you can’t even see it. Why? Because you are so caught up in the idea of the thing that you aren’t seeing the long term effects of what is happening.
A Loss of Character Connection:
In the pursuit of non-stop action, “Extraction 2” neglects the crucial element of character development. These movies reduce complex individuals to mere vessels for choreographed fight sequences, sacrificing the opportunity for deeper emotional investment. Without meaningful character arcs, the audience is left detached, unable to form a genuine connection with the protagonists. In the absence of nuanced storytelling, the constant barrage of violence and car crashes becomes a hollow spectacle devoid of substance.
The Desensitization Effect:
With each passing scene of relentless action, audiences risk becoming desensitized to the absurdity and lack of consequence inherent in these spectacles. The continuous onslaught of gunfire, car chases, and bullet dodging becomes predictable, robbing the film of any genuine tension or surprise. The numbing effect of excessive violence and relentless action renders the experience of “Extraction 2” hollow and forgettable.
Now, for the record, I actually lump a bunch of movies in this superhero movies in this same categorical problematic landscape, not just SISU, Extraction 2, John Wick 4, etc. I also see this same thing happening within the Marvel Universe as well. And let’s just be honest with each other… John Wick? He’s also a superhero. Tylor Rake of Extraction? A superhero.
And did you notice in Extraction 2 how the movie is trying to normalize extraordinarily long cuts of action… unblinkingly long cuts that use hidden cuts throughout, in order to elongate the intensity? You really need to bring eye drops into the the theater with you – because the movie is trying very hard to harden your corneas by not letting you blink for even a second.
Paving the Way for Indie Alternatives:
Now more than ever, it is crucial to champion the indie films that offer a refreshing departure from the mindless action flicks that saturate the market. These low-budget gems rely on innovative storytelling, intriguing concepts, and genuine emotional connections. By focusing on substance over spectacle, these films challenge the conventional norms of the genre, delivering thought-provoking narratives that leave a lasting impact on audiences.
Embracing a New Era:
As moviegoers, we have the power to redefine the landscape of action cinema. By supporting independent films that prioritize originality and storytelling, we can break free from the cycle of mind-numbing action spectacles. Let’s champion the indie renaissance, seeking out films that dare to explore big ideas rather than relying solely on big budgets. In doing so, we can breathe new life into the genre, and pave the way for a more nuanced and engaging cinematic future. You do not have to let Hollywood define what movies we, as a viewing audience, will watch. They are DESPERATE to give us films we will buy. And we could send a pretty loud message by simply clinging to films that champion this new direction. You don’t know what films I’m talking about here? Huh. I thought you were a reader of this blog! I’ve been talking about this new direction for years! Here, let me give you a list of indie action films that absolutely decimate Extraction 2, John Wick (heresy, I know), and any of the Marvel movies… promise:
- Blue Ruin
- I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore
- Hold the Dark
- Green Room
- Unknown
- 10×10
- You Were Never Really Here
- They Look Like People
- Super Dark Times
- Shimmer Lake
Can you sense the difference between what makes these movies in this list work as opposed to Extraction 2? These ten movies required a screenplay writer to work his ass off. I literally had a director of like a dozen amazing, ENORMOUS, (think the biggest box office results of all time) movies ask me to review his most recent screenplay. Why? (Well, literally it was because of my Sicario 2 recommendations for Sicario 3.) Because I herald character over senseless action. Why? Because I believe in really tight screenplays over big budget effects. And everyone loves it when a screenplay lands the plane at the end of the day. Right?
Conclusion:
“Extraction 2” may serve as a prime example of the shortcomings of modern action cinema, but it also presents an opportunity for change. As audiences, we must demand more from the films we consume. By supporting indie movies that prioritize substance, character development, and innovative storytelling, we can reshape the action genre and reclaim its potential for thought-provoking entertainment. Let’s celebrate the power of big ideas over big budgets and usher in a new era of action films that captivate the mind and ignite the imagination.