This is a movie I can watch multiple times! The cast is great! Its simply, cozy. Extract revolves around the owner of an extract company named Joel, played by Jason Bateman. Bateman is his usual sad sappy underdog. Everything in his life seems to be going wrong and you just want to give him a hug. Joel is not a departure from most of Bateman's other roles, but he's good at it and I'm not tired of it yet.
J.K. Simmons plays Brian. Its not clear if he's a minority business partner or a type of general manager; regardless, its of little significance. Recognizing J.K. Simmons from such serious roles in OZ and Law & Order, its hilarious to hear him call everyone "dinkus." Watching him make fun of people makes you feel so sentimental. It sounds strange and I suppose that connection is only there if you're familiar with his much more serious roles.
I'm not a big Mila Kunis fan. I just really want her to clear her throat. I know that may seem silly or superficial but its slightly irritating to listen to raspy voices for too long. The good thing is, she's not the main character. I don't want this to sound like she isn't good in the movie, because she is! In fact, she's perfect.
Ben Affleck as Dean the Bartender, Dustin Milligan as Brad the Gigolo, Clifton Collins Jr as Step, Kristin Wiig as Suzie, T.J. Miller as Rory, David Koechner as Nathan; there are so many dynamic roles and they are all played superbly. The weakest link in all of the acting is Gene Simmons as Joe Adler. He barely pulls it off. He just doesn't have the hutzpah required for such a sleazy part. It was a missed opportunity for an eccentric outlandish character; however, its not distracting.
Extract is written and directed by Mike Judge from Beavis and Butthead fame; so naturally there's sex, drugs, more drugs, and little bit of rock n roll. Throughout most of the film, it isn't a noticeable Mike Judge story; but I would consider Brad the Gigolo to be his signature. The movie, the cast, the story...everything about it is surprisingly comfortable.
On a scale of 1-10, I give Extract an 8.0
with distinction: underrated.
Scene Spotlight: Suzie and Brad the Gigolo poolside conversation.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1225822/
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