JIM reviews film “EXTRACT” -- Comedy Distilled into a Pleasant experience

“EXTRACT” — Comedy Distilled into a Pleasant experience

Rating: 7 of 10 stars.

Their ad claims (typically) that this is ‘the funniest comedy of the year’, which it ISN’T (& that title should go to ‘I Love You Man’). What this is, is a diverting, MILD (rather than wild) situational comedy with some very effective understated acting, a number of small laughs, and some refreshing ideas (rather than really clever lines). Joel (JASON BATEMAN) is the owner of an extract (flavors)-bottling plant, assisted by Brian (J.K. Simmons).

The plant has numerous employees who are INEPT (such as ‘Step’ played by CLIFTON COLLINS JR.), apathetic & sometimes racist. Jason is upset at the emotional indifference of his wife (KRISTEN WIIG), & follows advice of druggie friend Dean (BEN AFFLECK) on how to help make him feel better (with a little giggilo-ing by moronic ‘Brad’ played by DUSTIN MILLIGAN). Pretty Cindy (MILA KUNIS) is a crook who lies & rips off people to try to get money, & she sets her sights on Jason’s company (including via lawyer ‘Joe’ played by GENE SIMMONS).

It’s pleasant to see a comedy like this that’s NOT based on gross-out or vicious humor & which instead relies on its characters & situations for amusement. I would’ve liked to see more clever writing, tho.