Simply put, this is a whip-smart science fiction movie that is all about the nature and reliability of memory, and how it interacts with personality.I initially thought that the 9 and 10 ratings in the reviews here were a little generous, but made sense when considering its budget and the notoriety of the actors and director. Then I watched it again four days later. It's a rare movie that not only stands up to that kind of scrutiny, but offers up overlooked details and becomes significantly more moving and emotional. This absolutely deserves a 9.2 without a handicap, and for some context, in my book District 9 is an 8.9, Attack the Block and The Skin I Live In get 8.7, and Limitless and Source Code get 8.5. All movies I loved, but none are exceptional in the way this is.It has a very effective thriller structure, but you have to pay attention and be on top of what's going on (virtually every external reviewer pretty obviously didn't; there's no way the second act is slow or repetitive if you're following the story). Like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, it spends almost no money at all on the tech. Ignore the lack of whiz-bang and attend to the ideas.What stuns me on the second viewing is the depth of the character story, and the quality of the performances from the mostly unknown cast. The visuals are stylish, and the editing and score are both very effective. This is absolutely a writer / director to watch, big-time.

Especially how IMDb rate it around 6, whereas it seems I'm not the only one to rate it 9+. Even more impressive, considering my jaded palette, but if I say that it manages to create fascinating sci-fi with a laptop computer and sticky tape, that is a compliment, because much as I love Arnold (and one more coming up it seems), thought provoking sci-fi/drama/thriller material is thin on the ground.Flawed characters caught in a web of bad decisions and dire consequences simply highlight the nuggets of humanity they reveal, and given that there's not one recognisable name (to me at least), the actors/director did a stand up job.The characters make sense, their decisions make sense, even their bad ones, and only the premise is best left only lightly examined. Really it is there only as a pretext for a web that could have been woven around an entirely non-sci-fi concept, and been delivered just as well.That is not a criticism, but a compliment.Excellent viewing, give it a shot.

Have you ever seen an episode of the sci-fi series 'The Outer Limits?' If you have, you'll probably be aware of the hour long science fiction shows which could be about anything out of the ordinary. You'll also probably be aware that they're pretty low budget and depend on the idea behind them as to whether they're good or not.Luckily, for 'Extraction's' sake, the idea makes the lack of budget and stars worthwhile. It's about a man who invents a machine to look into people's mind. The first thought from the authorities is 'can it be used to ascertain guilt from potential criminals?' Therefore, they try it on a man accused of murder. However, nothing like this ever goes right and the inventor finds his consciousness trapped inside the accused man. Can he find a way out? And here we have our movie.The direction is pretty standard. You may expect that being 'inside someone's mind' may allow for some stunning 'Inception-like' visuals. Well, there aren't any. It's a pretty linier story as he tries to make contact with his former family, but, if you can forgive its visual blandness, you should enjoy the ride. It's not a long film, which also makes it appear like an extended episode of a TV show.The acting is good and it all ties up nicely, providing enough twists and turns along the way to keep you interested. Plus it even asks a few questions about 'memory' and just how reliable it really is. All in all, if you like your sci-fi a little slower with no real action and more thinking, you should give this a try.http://thewrongtreemoviereviews.blogspot.co.uk/

Engrossing content. Unexpected plot twists. Believable characters. Very unique story line. This movie is total trip and worth the time. Normally would rate this around 7. With the unbelievably low rating, however, I had to go 9. Watch how the good people in people comes out in all the people. While there may be comparisons, digressions, and bigger budgets, Extracted was not a waste of my time. In fact, quite the opposite. The acting, pacing, effects, plot were all enthralling and I am done with this review now. Extraction should be rated between 6.8-7.5 IMHO. Any attempts at memory and mind implantation are riddled with plot holes. This movie has few and is worthy.