Extract (2009)

director: Mike Judge

writer: Mike Judge

starring: Jason Bateman

genre: Comedy

Not many people are familiar with who Mike Judge is have seen his work. Almost everybody has seen Beavis and Butthead and maybe a King of the Hill episode, but what about his films? I don't know anybody that has seen one of his films or realized who's behind them. There lies the problem. Never properly marketed films that offer a unique take on comedy with a lot of black comedy are never seen. There will be many films from talented people that fall threw the cracks and one of those unlucky guys is Mike Judge.

Extract is a tale of Joel Reynolds (Jason Bateman) the owner of a Extract company. (definition of Extract). Joel is in a unhappy marriage and striving to sell his business and move on with his life. Led by his best friend Dean (Ben Affleck) to spice up things in his life instead result in Jason's life turing into one tragic occurence to the other.

First off, you may ask, who is Mike Judge? and why should I see his film? Well Mike Judge is the creator of TV shows like Beavis and Butthead, and King of the Hill which he also voiced. Also the director of two indie comedies Office Space and Idiocracy. The man has a very specific way of writing humor with subtal, subliminal humor about society and people. Judge's way of inflicting crazy situations for his main characters is insanely perfect. All this is for you to get an idea of the man behind the work. Is humor is not hard to get, nor disgusting nor offensive its just right.

Mike Judge is one of the comedy filmmakers that even though the bigger part of the population don't go wild for his humor, he still doesn't stop or change his material. As there are famous drama directors and action directors there are also famous comedy directors that should be noticed. And hope that one day Mike Judge can make his comedy masterpiece. And on a sad not thats the problem with all his films they are just OK. Non ever go they boundary of being anything masterful. Other comedy directors like Judd Apatow have gone there just want to see Judge do the same.

P.S. And if what I said doesn't make you see this film then just look at the cast. You've got Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wigg and even Ben Affleck. Come on you know you know you want to see this unknown comedy!

P.S. Is there really another comedy as of late that is worth your time more than Extract? I certainly don't think so..

Personal Rating:

Review by Paul