Interview: Mike Judge on 'Extract'

Just recently, I had the chance to participate in a brief round-table interview with writer/director Mike Judge, creator of "Office Space," "Beavis and Butt-Head" and "King of the Hill." He was in town to promote his latest comedy "Extract," and here's the most important stuff we talked about.

Describing "Extract," which opened nationwide last week and stars Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis and Ben Affleck, Judge said, "It’s like 'Office Space' but this time it’s sympathetic to the boss, the guy who owns the place."

Indeed, "Extract" stars Bateman as an extract plant owner who struggles with problems at home and at work. At home, he doesn't get any sex from his wife (Kristen Wiig), and at his job, he really doesn't get that much respect from his employees.

Joel, Bateman's character, runs into all sorts of awkward situations in this film, but Judge says he believes most of what you get to experience in "Extract" is not all too far from the truth.

"I think it’s fairly realistic in movie land as that goes," he said. "I think pretty much everything going on could possibly happen. Same thing with 'Office Space,' maybe."

One of the great things about "Extract" is the refreshing cast, and Judge said he really enjoyed working with Jason Bateman, a guy whose recent acting credits include "Hancock" and "Juno."

"He’s great. He’s been doing this since he’s been a little kid, so he’s just really relaxed," he said. "I’m like seven years older than him and he started in this business way before I did."

Judge also mentioned Bateman is skilled when it comes to improvise some hilarious situations that are original enough to keep in the film.

"He’s the total pro," he said. "It’s fun to see a guy relaxed enough to see occasionally he’ll just pull something out of nowhere that’s just truly inspired."

"Extract" is a light and very amusing comedy I can only recommend. It's playing everywhere in theaters right now, so don't wait around and go have a look at Bateman's misadventures. Read my review here.