K=one guy                 E=other guy               S=the girl

E:  The good news, you don’t have to file any TPS reports… the bad news, Extract doesn’t quite live up to Office Space.

S:  But I believe you still have my stapler. 

K:  I was interested in seeing Extract when I learned that this is a Mike Judge movie.  “Beavis and Butthead” cartoons are a guilty pleasure and Office Space (starring Cedar Rapids/Marion native Rod Livingston) is one of my favorite modern-day-sleeper-cult-classic-comedy movies. I actually saw it in the theater (most people have seen it on cable and on home video).

E:  Some also know Mike Judge for “King of the Hill.”  Extract had a little “Hill” feel… smaller town, some trucker caps and mullets, solving the world’s problems over a few beers… but overall it stayed true to Judge’s movies:  a commentary on the workplace and worker/boss relationship.

K:  Extract seems to be a complimentary follow up to Office Space from a management point of view.

S:  But it wasn’t nearly as quotable.

K:  I enjoyed the performances of Jason Bateman (good as always), Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, David Koechner, Clifton Collins, Jr. and Gene Simmons had an entertaining cameo role.

E:  Anything is better than those stupid Dr. Pepper commercials.  How ‘bout a KISS of shut up, Gene? 

S:  David Koechner is one of my favorite character actors.  His sports-caster in Anchorman  makes me giggle every time I watch it!

K:  For me Ben Affleck’s supporting role as bartender/shaman had me rolling in laughter as he gives “advice” on how Bateman should handle his marriage woes in the sack.

S:  This was one of the few times that I believed Ben Affleck actually acted!  It was a nice departure for him. 

E:  But, and not to give away the climax of the movie (slight pun intended), I left feeling a little uneasy.  I didn’t agree with how a one night stand can fix anything.

S:  I guess that should make me feel good knowing, as your wife, that made you feel uncomfortable.  I’m so lucky!

K:  Overall, I found Extract’s comedic pacing uneven, with a safe tone and only occasionally funny scenes.

S:  I agree.  The more acerbic humor in “Beavis and Butthead” and Office Space makes me laugh just sitting here!

K:  I much prefer the more biting humor of Office Space or the summer’s best comedy The Hangover in its raunchy tone. Extract is a mild disappointment despite good acting.

 Recommendation: Matinee or rental (let’s hope there are some great outtakes with David Koechner).