Ambulance (2022): Michael Bay’s Underrated Action Thriller Masterpiece

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Okay, let’s be real – when most people hear the name Michael Bay, they immediately picture explosions, right? I mean, the Bad Boys movies and the Transformers films are practically synonymous with his style – and whether you love it or hate it, they’re definitely memorable. But beyond those franchises, he’s also delivered some huge blockbusters like Armageddon and The Rock that really defined the action genre for a lot of us.

Many people overlook his latest films, but one in particular is a surprisingly brilliant and personal achievement for the director. Although it wasn’t a commercial success, viewers who watched it recognize it as a perfect example of what makes a Michael Bay film so enjoyable.

Ambulance Is Michael Bay At His Best

The 2022 action movie Ambulance is a surprisingly great film. It’s a remake of a 2005 Danish movie with the same title, and the story follows two adopted brothers who steal an ambulance during a bank robbery, taking a police officer and a paramedic hostage.

The story naturally creates a fast-paced, focused thriller, and that’s where Michael Bay really shines. He’s famous for his big, action-packed movies, but sometimes that means he doesn’t focus as much on developing characters or telling a more complex story.

The movie Ambulance is a fast-paced, action-driven story. Director Michael Bay’s skillful direction is a major strength – he maintains a high level of energy for the entire two hours without getting sidetracked by complex storylines or excessive exposition.

If you like Michael Bay movies, this is basically him at the peak of his skills.

Ambulance Has A Great Cast

Beyond the exciting action, Michael Bay films consistently feature talented actors, and Ambulance is no exception. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Jake Gyllenhaal, who play adoptive brothers in the film, have fantastic chemistry. Their performances make their long-standing, close relationship completely believable.

Eiza González also shines in this film, proving she’s a talented actress who deserves more recognition. While she’s given strong performances in movies like Baby Driver and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, her work often goes unnoticed. Here, she perfectly portrays the emotional core of the story, helping Will, played by Mateen II, understand the impact of his actions.

Though only three actors have leading roles, they have excellent chemistry and each delivers a compelling performance. The supporting cast, featuring Moses Ingram and Garret Dillahunt, also makes a strong impression.

Unfortunately, Ambulance Underperformed Commercially

Unfortunately, Ambulance didn’t find a large audience despite potentially being the ideal dose of Michael Bay’s signature style. Although it cost $40 million to make, it only earned $52.3 million at the box office, making it a commercial failure. Michael Bay used to consistently deliver blockbuster hits, but those days seem to be over.

Recent movies like the later Transformers films and 6 Underground weren’t very well-received, which might explain why Ambulance initially struggled in theaters. However, the film has found an audience on streaming services, becoming surprisingly popular. Many viewers are discovering – or rediscovering – that Ambulance showcases Michael Bay’s signature action style at its finest.

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2025-11-30 23:31