Review: Michael Bay’s High-Octane Thrill Ride ‘Ambulance’

Director: Michael Bay

Writers: Chris Fedak(screenplay), Laurits Munch-Petersen(based on the film “Ambulancen” written by), Lars Andreas Pedersen(based on the film “Ambulancen” written by)

Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Eiza González, Garret Dillahunt, Keir O’Donnell

When it comes to Michael Bay films you know exactly what you’re going to get, quick-cut, stylized action, and a lot of explosiveness. Once again he takes the helm on another action thriller, ‘Ambulance’, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. These days the majority of commercially successful movies are generally a big superhero blockbuster, but Bay and Chris Fedak are bringing back the adrenaline of action movies we have been longing for since the late 90’s.

Based on the original story and screenplay for the 2005 Danish thriller Ambulancen, decorated veteran Will Sharp (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), desperate for money to cover his wife’s medical bills, asks for help from the one person he knows he shouldn’t—his adoptive brother Danny (Jake Gyllenhaal). A charismatic career criminal, Danny instead offers him a score: the biggest bank heist in Los Angeles history: $32 million. With his wife’s survival on the line, Will can’t say no.

The brothers make their getaway hijacking an ambulance carrying a wounded cop and a EMT Cam Thompson (Eiza González) trying to save his life. This is the moment Bay takes this low-budget Danish film, puts an IV in its arm and pumps it full of adrenaline. In a high-speed pursuit that never stops, Will and Danny must evade a massive, city-wide law enforcement response, keep their hostages alive, and somehow try not to kill each other.

What follows is one of the most intense hours of cinema we have seen in years. In a premiere screening of 150+ people who attended, there wasn’t a single person who wasn’t gripped to the screen with intensity. Not a single person left their seat and not a single person spoke, everyone was so engrossed in this movie, you almost felt a part of it.

‘Ambulance’ builds it’s tension not only through its central car chase, but through the ever-shifting dynamic that develops between Danny, Will, and Cam. Bay has found a way to grab a simple narrative and catapult it into a zone of adrenalized excitement, fusing a whole new kind of sensation. I have to admit I can’t think of a movie I’ve seen in the last 15 years that has managed to sustain that level of excitement over such a long running time.

Gyllenhaal gives quite a performance as an unhinged criminal. Prior to the screening I was uncertain on the teaming of Gyllenhaal and Abdul-Mateen II, but they make it work and deliver enough chemistry to carry the plot. While Gyllenhaal may be the Oscar nominated leading man, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II might just be Hollywood’s new found gem. He’s superb as Will bringing so much heart, empathy and sleekness to a character who ultimately wants to do the right thing. González gives a dedicated performance as Cam, a character that’s probably most substantial character in the film, she’s the glue that binds the whole story together.

If you’re looking for one hell of a ride, then ‘Ambulance’ is for you. From the spectacular action sequences to the ear quaking sounds, ‘Ambulance’ will have your heart racing from beginning to end.

‘Ambulance’ is in cinemas now.

neillfrazer@hotmail.com