Sam Urdank / McClatchy Tribune

“Extract” holds a couple laughs, a few attractive women, mild conflict and a little entertainment. But, as a true entertaining experience, this film does not qualify.

“Extract” can only be called a half-comedy and a half-hearted attempt at a feel good movie.

Director Mike Judge, known for comedies such as “Office Space” and “King of the Hill”, veers from the typical blue-collared comedy in his latest film, which hit theaters on Sept. 4.

“Extract” stars well-known names such as Jason Bateman, Ben Affleck and Mila Kunis. Despite such a talented cast, “Extract” falls short.

The film tells the story of Joel, played by Jason Bateman, and his extract flavoring company. Joel, a successful business owner, has high hopes for selling his company and retiring young.

But, Joel’s life is far from perfect. He and his wife Suzie, played by Kristen Wiig, are sexually frustrated. Joel complains constantly of the dry spell to his bartender friend Dean, played by Ben Affleck.

Dean gives horrible advice that Joel disagrees with, but ultimately follows.

When a freak testicular accident at the factory threatens Joel’s plans, he is forced to consider the feelings of others rather than simply care about his own well being. In the end, life for Joel continues on without excessive opposition and the film ends on a relatively happy note.

The basic storyline is typical: the main character has a conflict, tries to solve the conflict despite problems, ultimately finds a solution and then lives happily ever after.

However, the plot drags on. Half an hour into the film the story is still in exposition. Nothing of consequence has happened. Even when Joel’s wife has an affair, the exchange between the two is mild and hardly believable.

The most passionate instance in the film is when Joel’s wife, Suzie, loses her temper and shouts at the nosey neighbor. This element held little importance to the actual plot of the story.

The laughs in “Extract” are so few and far between that the film could hardly be labeled a comedy.

Unlike Judge’s other projects, which usually depict characters in middle class lifestyles, the main character in “Extract” is a business owner and elite member of society. Where “King of the Hill” depicts a typical American family dealing with typical and relatable issues. The factory workers seem more relatable than Joel in that they feel underpaid and unappreciated, a feeling many employees can relate to.

It seems that Judge should have considered his target audience when creating this film.