Extract - Underrated little comedy gem

Back in the nineties, 'King of the Kill' creator Mike Judge released what would become a cult comedy hit, 'Office Space.' It charged the perils and pitfalls of working in a modern day office. 'Extract' isn't a sequel, but more of a 'compendium piece' which - in terms of today - exists in a 'shared universe'. Instead of an office environment, it's set in a factory which makes flavouring extracts, primarily for ice cream.

Jason Bateman plays the main character, 'Joel,' but really he basically plays the same character he does in every other comedy he's in.  Now, that does sound like a bit of a criticism, but - when he plays that sort of 'everyman' character so well, it's no bad thing.  He's contemplating selling his business, but, when a freak workplace accident coincides with the arrival of a young lady with a dodgy, money-grabbing agenda 'Cindy' (Mila Kunis) joining the workplace, not to mention that Joel's finding marriage life with his wife Suzie (Kristen Wiig) a little - what's the work - 'unfruitful' and you have a recipe for a reasonably enjoyable comedy with plenty of adult themes.  Throw David Kochner, J.K. Simmons and even some well-placed cameos by Ben Affleck and you have quite a star-studded cast, all of whom play their parts well.

'Extract' doesn't really offer much new - it's a workplace comedy with a relationship at stakes as the central theme.  However, the bottom line is that I found myself laughing quite a lot.  That may sound a bit of an obvious thing to say about a film that's supposed to do just that.  And yet I find myself barely raising a smile at many (supposed) 'funny' films.

It may be a simple film, but maybe that's it's main strength.  The characters, even those who are slightly so stereotypical to be truly believable, are quite easy to relate to.  It never tries to be anything other than a good, funny little film that tries to raise a smile in its audience.  It's certainly not one for the kids, but I can't see many adults not finding something to share in the enjoyment here of general situations we grown-ups find ourselves in.

8/10 The Force is definitely strong with this one