Ambulance

Michael Bay's 'Ambulance' features explosive action paired with a convoluted plot. While it delivers high-octane thrills, its narrative struggles to keep pace with the chaos.

A High-Stakes Family Bond

The film follows Will Sharp, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, a decorated veteran who turns to his brother Danny Sharp, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, for help with his wife’s medical bills. Instead of financial assistance, Danny lures Will into a high-stakes bank heist that promises to net $32 million. As the brothers get caught up in a chaotic escape in an ambulance—with a hostage, paramedic Cam Thompson (Eiza González)—the film spirals into a helter-skelter of action and desperation. However, the plot often feels bogged down by predictable heist tropes and thin character development, making it hard to fully invest in the stakes.

A Cast That Clicks but Falters

Jake Gyllenhaal brings his usual charisma to the role of Danny, making him the most entertaining character in a sea of archetypes. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II does a serviceable job as Will, but the script does him no favors, leaving his emotional depth largely unexplored. Eiza González as Cam Thompson offers a solid performance as the hostage paramedic who tries to maintain control amid the chaos, but her character feels underwritten and often relegated to the sidelines. The supporting cast, including Garret Dillahunt and Keir O'Donnell, provide adequate performances, yet they too lack substantial roles that could elevate the film’s emotional stakes.

Explosions and Chaos Abound

Under Michael Bay's direction, 'Ambulance' is a visual spectacle—if you can appreciate his trademark style. The action sequences are fast-paced and filled with dizzying camera work, but they often prioritize spectacle over coherent storytelling. The film’s hyper-stylized visuals can be overwhelming, leading to moments where it's hard to follow the plot amidst the chaos. While the tense atmosphere is palpable, the editing can be jarring, making scenes feel longer than they need to be. Bay’s penchant for explosions and dramatic flare can certainly entertain, but it leaves little room for subtlety or nuance.

Adrenaline with Little Substance

Watching 'Ambulance' is a mixed bag of adrenaline and frustration. The high-speed chase sequences and action set pieces deliver thrills, but the film’s emotional core often feels hollow. Viewers may find themselves bored by long stretches of predictable dialogue and contrived situations, particularly when the pacing slows down during character interactions. The film's attempts at deeper themes, like brotherhood and desperation, often get lost in the noise, leaving viewers yearning for more substance behind the action. By the end, the emotional payoff feels lacking, making it difficult to fully connect with the characters' fates.