Ambulancia

Michael Bay is back to his old ways. This is an extremely enjoyable popcorn movie. It can be characterized as a mindless action flick. But as I always say, I don't mind mindless if it entertains me. And I was fully entertained. I found myself smiling for most of the movie, constantly at the edge of my seat.

When I say nonstop thrill ride, I mean that to the fullest extent of the phrase. There is about 10 minutes of setup, followed by 2 hours of action and/or suspense. Thirty minutes into the movie I felt like I just watched the climax action scene. I was wondering where the movie could possibly go from there, but there was no need to worry. It took me for a ride. (This is why I love avoiding trailers, I knew nothing going in and had no idea what to expect.)

Everything in this movie is turned up to the max. This is especially the case with the sound effects and musical score. I watched it in IMAX with the giant screen and amazing speakers... it was ecstasy. I could feel the gunshots and explosions. And everything is intensified by the bombastic musical score by beast composer Lorne Balfe.

And this movie has a surprising amount of emotion. It's not subtle, I know it wants me to feel this way with the setup and music. But I still feel it and still enjoy it.

Downsides include some sloppiness with a few of the action moments as well as the editing. And like with any mindless action flick, you have to turn your brain off in some parts. You can't question medical plausibility or why certain drivers seem to really like crashing into stuff. Also, only about half the comedy hit, but the other half wasn't cringe-worthy.

In the end, I had a blast with this movie and will definitely watch it again. My theater was almost empty which is sad. If you like mindless action flicks, go see this in IMAX. It's worth it for this movie more than most.

Side note: this movie has possibly the fastest end credits I've ever seen. I think it might have been 60 or 70 seconds which is ridiculously short for such a big movie. I'm not sure why, maybe they were worried about reaching the 2 hour 20 minute mark and dissuading viewers. But I found it amusing that the credits were as fast-paced as the rest of the movie. (1 viewing, opening Thursday 4/7/2022)

Remake of a Danish comedy in an attempt to make an action movie where the only good thing is the performance of all its actors.

The director in his terrible line of not allowing the film to breathe without any break. The camera totally crazy shaking everywhere and getting to produce serious dizziness.

Weird angles, low shots, crane shots, jib shots, drone shots, all of that is combined to form a by-the-books Michael Bay flick. I watched this film during a special premiere in Tallinn and it was way better than expected.

The only reason I bought a ticket was to see Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Jake Gyllenhal. There was really no expectation for me going in and then the LA scene started and it felt like I was watching a Bay Boys movies. I get that Bad Boys was based in Florida, but Michael Bay captured the same all-sun hot and fast vibe.

There is not much in terms of a coherent plot. But who cares at this point. You chose to watch a Michael Bay movie. It doesn't make sense? Well nothing by the director has made sense since the 90s. It is all explosive fun.

If you have seen enough Michael Bay movies by now you already know the dizzying circular shots are coming, same camera angles and clips are going to be repeated, but this is certainly one of Mr. Bay's watchable works.

Even as you will be scratching your head why all this is happening the rapid pace just takes you. The best comp I have is Unstoppable starring Chris Pine and Denzel Washington. Not the same level of stakes or execution or suspense or great. But heart pounding nonetheless.

If you like Michael Bay's work, then give this a go. Others who may come in expecting bigger and better things, maybe stay away. This is a action vehicle (literally) so just enjoy it as one no need for a thinking cap on this one.

Check your brain at the door.

It's a wild ride, that makes NO SENSE.

You have to keep remembering.... it's a Michael Bay film.

Oh... and he LOVES drone footage.

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?