Name: Ambulance
Genre: Thriller, Action, Drama
Released: 2022-03-16T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Eiza González, Garret Dillahunt, Keir O'Donnell

The first shot of Michael Bay‘s “Ambulance” (2022) is a slow-motion explosion—a bank window shattering into a thousand glittering fragments as two men in masks rush inside. This is the film in microcosm: all surface, all spectacle, with little regard for what lies beneath. Bay, the man who brought us “Transformers” and “Pearl Harbor,” returns to his comfort zone with this high-octane action thriller, a remake of the 2005 Danish film “Ambulancen.” The result is a movie that is undeniably thrilling but ultimately hollow.

The plot is straightforward: decorated veteran Will Sharp (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), desperate to pay for his wife’s experimental cancer surgery, teams up with his adoptive brother Danny (Jake Gyllenhaal), a charismatic career criminal, to pull off the biggest bank heist in Los Angeles history—$32 million. What follows is a relentless, high-speed chase through the streets of LA, as the brothers evade a massive law enforcement response while trying to keep their hostages alive.

What works in “Ambulance” is its unapologetic embrace of Michael Bay’s signature style. The film is a sensory overload, with rapid-fire editing, explosive action sequences, and a pounding soundtrack that keeps the adrenaline pumping. The high-speed chase scenes are particularly noteworthy, as they are shot with an almost documentary-like intensity, making the viewer feel like they’re in the ambulance itself. The use of practical effects and real stunts adds a layer of authenticity that is often missing from modern action films.

The film’s cinematography is a standout feature. Bay and his team employ a mix of handheld cameras and drone shots to create a sense of immediacy and chaos. The camera work is particularly effective during the chase sequences, where the viewer is thrown headfirst into the action. The sound design is also noteworthy, with the constant wail of sirens and the screech of tires creating an immersive audio experience.

However, the film’s relentless pace comes at a cost. The character development is minimal, and the plot is thin at best. The brothers’ motivations are clear—Will needs money for his wife’s surgery, Danny wants one last big score—but their personalities and backstories are glossed over in favor of more explosions and car chases. This lack of depth is a missed opportunity, as Abdul-Mateen II and Gyllenhaal are both talented actors who could have brought more nuance to their roles.

The supporting cast is equally underutilized. Eiza González plays Cam Thompson, an EMT who becomes a hostage in the ambulance, but her character is reduced to little more than a damsel in distress. Garret Dillahunt, playing Captain Monroe, leads the police response, but his character lacks the depth and complexity that could have made him a memorable antagonist.

The film’s biggest misstep is its reliance on Bay’s tried-and-true formula. While the action sequences are impressive, they feel familiar and lack the innovation that could have elevated the film above its peers. The dialogue is often cheesy and clichéd, with lines like “We’re not heroes; we’re just guys who need money” doing little to advance the plot or develop the characters.

The romantic subplot between Will and his wife Amy (Moses Ingram) feels tacked on and unnecessary. It serves little purpose other than to provide a emotional backdrop for Will’s actions, but it lacks the depth and authenticity that could have made it resonating with the audience.

In terms of themes, “Ambulance” touches on several interesting ideas—brotherhood, desperation, the American healthcare system—but it never delves deep enough into any of them to make a meaningful impact. The film’s focus on action over substance means that these themes are left unexplored, leaving the viewer with little to chew on after the final explosion fades away.

Comparing “Ambulance” to other films in the same genre, it falls short of the mark set by films like “John Wick” or “Mad Max: Fury Road.” These films manage to balance intense action sequences with compelling characters and thoughtful storytelling, something that “Ambulance” ultimately fails to achieve.

In conclusion, “Ambulance” is a visceral, adrenaline-fueled ride that delivers on the action front but falls short in terms of storytelling and character development. It’s a film that is undeniably entertaining but ultimately forgettable.