Ambulance is clumsy yet entertaining. Although he's reaching for more, Michael Bay is blunt. First, the characters are cliched. Abdul-Mateen is a veteran father with financial struggles, Gyllenhaal is a psycho with a soft spot, and Gonzalez is a jaded paramedic. Development is nice, but each role is completely generic (as is their dialogue). Plus, the entire narrative is contrived. Each procedural plot point is really an excuse for explosions. Furthermore, Ambulance is occasionally tiring because too many threads are woven in. Streamlining the ancillary characters would've helped. Still, the lead actors elevate the material, even if they're sometimes repetitive.
Meanwhile, Ambulance is technically engaged. In fact, it's moderately overdone. Fortunately, the effects are elaborate and practical. Also, the complex sound gets abstract, music is utilized for refreshing levity, and the core cast is excellent. However, the visuals are equally cinematic and chaotic. The camerawork is active, but drone shots and shaky cams are often disorienting. This is exacerbated by turbulent editing. Action sequences are energized, but also unclear. Additionally, the runtime is simply overindulgent. Ambulance looses steam because it's inefficient. Ultimately, Ambulance is a decent attempt that viewers will want to like, but it's also fairly messy.
Writing: 5/10
Direction: 6/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 5/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Production Design: 6/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 8/10
Overall Score: 6.7/10
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