Ray J's Review - "Ambulance"🚨🚑🎬

Hiya everyone! I'm back with another movie review of a film that I wish I would've seen sooner😅 "Ambulance" stars Jake Gyllenhall, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Eiza Gonzalez in an exciting (if not a bit too lengthy) hostage chase, that packs a surprising amount of emotion.

"Ambulance" revolves around Will (played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), a war veteran, who's wife is in need of an experimental surgery, but doesn't have the money (no thanks to his lazy insurance company). Feeling helpless, Will contacts his adoptive brother, Danny (played by Jake Gyllenhall), who has been into criminal activity since he was a teenager, and after a meeting between the two, Danny convinces Will to take part in a bank heist. Meanwhile, EMT, Cam (played by Eiza Gonzalez) is about halfway through her work day, with her first day on the job partner Scott (played by Colin Woodell), and after hearing multiple rounds of gunshots coming from the bank, they both rush over to the scene. A mostly successful bank heist turns into utter chaos in the streets of downtown Los Angeles, after an unknowing police officer, Officer Zach (played by Jackson White) enters the bank to ask a teller out on a date, but ends being taken hostage and eventually shot by Will. Leaving him to die, the brothers jet off to try and escape, but in the meantime there is a literal shootout going on between the rest of the LAPD and Danny's goons, which make the getaway a bit of a hassle. Will and Danny happen upon an ambulance where they discover Cam inside treating Officer Zach and his wounds. Thinking it's the perfect opportunity, Danny and Will decide to hijack the ambulance and take Cam hostage so they can escape, but also so she can try to keep Office Zach alive, knowing the lifelong consequences there will be for the both of them if he dies. Will, now contemplating his actions knows there is no way out of this, but has the right things on his mind. Keeping innocent Cam safe from a frustrated Danny, and doing whatever they can to keep Officer Zach from fading away, yet also knowing that Danny will do whatever it take to not get caught.

When I first saw the trailer for "Ambulance, I assumed it to be a disposable popcorn thriller, but quite frankly it exceeded my expectations! Once the movie really get's going at about 20 minutes in, it does not stop💨 I realize that it has gained a bit more recognition (and well deservingly so) since becoming available on digital platforms to purchase and rent, but I was glad that I went to the theater to see this film, since I can't imagine trying to watch this kind of two hour and fifteen minute movie on a flat screen tv for the first time😂

The movie features some intense action scenes, but something that I thought was cool was that you could tell that there were drones being used for some of the shots, and they were super well done!

Not only is "Ambulance" fast paced in more ways than one, but it also hits you with some pretty decent emotional moments as well! Of course the main (emotional) plot line of the movie is that Will is desperate to get the money for his Wife's surgery, and then regretting his decisions, while wondering if he'll make it out to even see his wife and baby son again, but there is also a scene about ten-ish minutes in that was a bit upsetting to me... I won't spoil, but in the end this scene (that seemed like it would serve no more significance), contributed to an emotionally satisfying ending for one specific character😄

As far as acting performances, I thought Eiza Gonzalez (as Cam) was surprisingly good here, and this is by far one of, if not the best role, I've ever seen her in! You may recognize her from "Godzilla Vs. Kong" or "Baby Driver", just to name a couple titles. I also thought Jake Gyllenhall was really fantastic in the movie too! Sometimes he brings a certain hyperactive energy to some of his roles, which was definitely on display here!

Just a couple nit picks: I would never say this on social media, but I thought it was ridiculously ironic that Yahya Abdul - Mateen II, who just starred as the main role in the "Candyman" remake a couple years ago (which glorifies the murdering of police) stars here as a war veteran in need of money/help from the U.S's lazy process of a health care system + the corrupt government, after serving his country (which is a real and disgusting issue)...also trying to save a police officer's life the entire film. I can't stand hypocrisy! Also, while it's most definitely a good thing that this flick moves at a lightning fast paced, I could personally feel it's length sometimes, and seemed like it could've been trimmed by 20 minutes or so.

Other than that, "Ambulance" is a blast!

Consensus: Sound the sirens🚨 "Ambulance" is a criminally under-advertised good time that will get your heart racing, and your eyes possibly a bit misty🚑💓🥺

The Ray J's Reviews Rating is

4.5 out of 5 Lime Green Hearts

💚💚💚💚 & 1/2