Explore the Worst Movies of 2023: The 355 and Ambulance

The year 2023 has been a rollercoaster of cinematic experiences, ranging from incredible masterpieces to dismally entertaining films. One might wonder if there are any movies that could be considered outright bad in this golden era of cinema. In this article, we’ll take a look at two such films that managed to stand out in the rogues’ gallery of movies—The 355 and Ambulance.

The 355: A Mediocre Espionage Thriller

Among the seventeen movies I’ve seen this year, none have been truly terrible. Except for one—The 355. While this action-thriller may have hit the mark in certain aspects, it falls short in many others, making it the epitome of an acceptable but ultimately mediocre film.

Plot and Cast Overview

The 355 follows the story of a Colombian narcotics officer, played by Penélope Cruz, who manages to get hold of an advanced hacking device. This device, a staple feature in every spy movie these days, is being used by drug lords. The officer decides to sell the device to a CIA agent, Jessica Chastain, who in turn is intercepted by an undercover German agent, Diane Kruger.

The plot thickens as multiple agents from various governments become involved to solve the case, eventually leading them to realize they must work together to outsmart the real villains. However, this twist seems predictable and overused, given the numerous similar plots that have come before.

Weak Plot and Rudimentary Twists

The core plot of the movie is far from groundbreaking. The agents eventually unite, but this turn of events is a given from the very beginning, leaving the viewers no surprises. The resolutions are mundane and could have been achieved much earlier, leading to a lot of unnecessary absurdity.

One of the few standout elements is Penélope Cruz’s portrayal of the Colombian agent’s psychologist. Her performance adds a layer of unpredictability to the film; however, her grumblings about her incompetent family members often distract from the plot’s progression, making it hard to fully immerse in the narrative.

Operating on Autopilot

While the plot is predictable, the real issue lies in the execution. The movie is filled with too many set pieces and action sequences that seem to be going through the motions. The script is overloaded with unnecessary content, making certain scenes feel more like filler than integral to the plot.

Ambulance: A Deranged Performance Takes Center Stage

On a par with The 355 in terms of deplorable dynamics is Ambulance. This gritty, neon-lit thriller led by Jake Gyllenhaal’s truly deranged performance steals the show from the mediocre plot. Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of a stiflingly hot police detective triggers fits of rage, paranoia, and shocking behavior, making the movie a bizarre and entertaining ride.

Debilitating Script and Compelling Performance

The plot of Ambulance revolves around a group of cleanup crew members who rob an armored truck. The tension escalates when a psychotic cop, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, is assigned to capture them. Gyllenhaal’s over-the-top performance, characterized by wide-eyed madness, amplifies the tension and unpredictability of the story.

Despite the film’s compelling premise, the script struggles with balancing narrative coherence and character development. The characters often feel like they are moving through a series of unconnected events, making the story harder to follow and enjoy.

The Verdict

In the grand scheme of 2023 films, The 355 and Ambulance stand as not-so-golden examples of the genre. While they are far from being the worst movies, they certainly don’t reach the heights of cinematic excellence either. These films serve as cautionary tales for the industry, reminding us that even in a year full of masterpieces, there are still corners of the market where mediocrity reigns.

So, if you’re looking for a good way to waste an evening, these films might just be the distraction you need. But for those who demand more from their movies, it’s best to steer clear.