Ambulance

I truly don't understand why people watch action movies when they don't even like them? So that they can put 1 star "trash" review on IMDB? This movie is exactly what you expect when you read its description. Also - it's a Bay movie. I really enjoyed the "weird" angles of the camera that everyone's hating here, the cast is really good, it's tense the whole way until the very end. Predictable ending, yes, but it's defo a match for every action-movie lover. The dialogues could have been better, as at times it got a bit cringy and I agree with the fellow haters that at times also a bit stupid. But hey ho, who says action needs too many words? If you want some deep psychological analysis of characters, perhaps better watch something from Trier.

Stylishly directed, jam-packed with chases and keeping the fun aspect alive for the most part if not all the way, Ambulance moves into top gear relatively quick and never takes the foot off the pedal once it gets going but the road it takes to reach its destination ends up being longer than what the gas in the tank can handle, thus resulting in a ride that's running on fumes way before the end is in sight.

Directed by Michael Bay, the premise is simple, setup is quick & thrills are endless even if much of the narrative elements seem underdeveloped. Bay utilises his usual unabashed over-the-top approach that provide his standard blockbuster fares an explosive, extravagant flavour and he amplifies the nonstop action some more with kinetic camerawork, chaotic vibe, frenetic editing and wicked character interplay.

The energy & passion is evident in execution and the use of drones to film the chase sequences is undoubtedly inspiring but this would've been an even better action-thriller if it was trimmed to a tight & tense 90 mins ride. Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II & Eiza González remain in sync with the craziness on display. And while the interest & momentum isn't lost, one does start to feel its 136 mins runtime in the remaining half.

Overall, Ambulance is amusing, entertaining & preposterous in all the ways a Michael Bay film is expected to be but it is also a whole lot of fast fun & furious frivolity that manages to get plenty of mileage out of its barebone premise. The lack of restraint isn't an issue since it is one of the fine qualities of a Bayhem production but its overlong length does leave you feeling more exhausted than exhilarated in the end. In short, a gleeful & enjoyable delight.

The action scenes on this movie are awesome. They are intense, fast faced and fun.

But the dialog, oh the dialog is dreadful. The script makes no sense et all. The arguments and actions taken by both cops and thieves are so weak, like if they were leaving in fantasy land. I will not mention any particular situation here cause I don't want to be flagged as spoilers, but just keep in mind that if you are going to watch this movie the script is bonkers.

Also, what is this thing with Michael Bay that the camera viewfinder is always moving like crazy in different directions? Is that his personal directing style?

I did not give this movie a 4/10 star review because of the action scenes. So 6/10 seems fair enough to me.

Great story.

Great acting especially from Jake Gyllenhaal.

This movie was about 60m too long.

Michael bay and his lens flare is still Garbage and distracts from what the actors are doing.

I would have given 9 but the movie is just to long I found myself repeatedly picking up my phone for the last hour even though I was still enjoying the film.

I have said all I wanted to say, I am now typing to meet the minimum character requirements for posting a review. There is no more review if you are still reading you can go away now. I have 67 left to add Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal. Are we almost done here?

Warning: this film can seriously damage your brain.

The beginning of the film was ok and showed no red flags.

Then grown men started talking like saucy 15-year-olds, and I got that feeling...like I've heard this before. Checked the director - Bay.

Bingo.

Then everything made perfect sense. Thirty-minute-long actions scenes with insane camera work - check. Surreal decision-making in a world that operates in Grand Theft Auto V logic - check. Blatant mockery of politically relevant topics - check.

I can enjoy a Bay film, I love the Rock, and it's very similar. But this one is of complete insanity. It's so incredibly over the top you can't even see the top from here.

And then Bay tries to do drama, and of course, it's excruciating.

There's no reason to try to understand the story since it exists only in this nightmare world where everyone is aggressive, careless, stupid, and has no regard for their or others' lives.

Pros: some decent action scenes and excellent acting by Gyllenhaal.

Cons: it's a nightmare.

Overall, it's a solid live adaptation of a GTA V five-star car chase but with no tanks.