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Review by James Lindorf
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the COVID-19 pandemic brought first responders to the front of our collective minds. Between those two events, they reverted to the people you only thought about when you needed them or had to pull over for them to pass. As they again slide back to that level of attention, Director Christopher Leone and former EMT and first-time screenwriter Patrick Pianezza shine a light on life onboard an ambulance in their new film “Code 3”. After a successful marketing screening at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, Aura Entertainment will begin rolling out “Code 3” in theaters around the country.
Randy (Rainn Wilson, The Office) has been a Paramedic for 18 years, a lengthy career more than three times the national average. After years of battling burnout, Randy is finally calling it quits, working his final 24-hour shift. Joining Randy on the truck are his long-term partner Mike (Lil Rel Howery, Get Out) and trainee Jessica (Aimee Carrero, Your Friends and Neighbors). The trio goes on a chaotic, citywide odyssey, pushing them to their physical and emotional limits. “Code 3” features a strong supporting cast that includes fan favorites Rob Riggle (21 Jump Street) and Yvette Nicole Brown (Community).
The plot of “Code 3” is hampered by repeat interactions and by falling slightly on the wrong side of the predictability spectrum. It also lacks some of the polish that comes with seasoned creators and a larger production budget. However, within its 105-minute runtime, it contains some of the best drama to appear on screen this year, while being darkly comedic throughout. Randy and Mike make light of traumatic events to compartmentalize while they work and to process when they clock out. “Code 3” reaches its peak in writing, directing, and visual storytelling during a call to an apartment complex where a resident is experiencing a psychotic episode.
What starts a bit silly as they head to meet someone who believes they are the President of the United States, quickly goes south. The team fears for their safety, but must set it aside to work with the man who needs their help. As more people get involved, it threatens to spiral completely out of control. Throughout the movie, Wilson gets to do most of the heavy lifting as Randy. Still, it is this scene that makes you see why Howery may have signed up for this movie beyond a paycheck. Everyone does well, but it is Howery who shines during the most significant moment.
The way “Code 3” balances action, drama, and humor makes it one of my favorite movies of the year, despite its flaws, earning a score of 4 out of 5. It will take time for us to learn if there is enough box office appeal for them to consider a sequel, but it is a team I’d happily go for another ride.
Release Date (Limited Theatrical): September 12th, 2025
Rating: R (Some Drug Material|Language Throughout|Brief Graphic Nudity|Violent Content/Bloody Images)
Genre: Comedy, Action
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director: Christopher Leone
Producer: Justin Baldoni, Andrew Calof, Lawrence Mattis, Matt Smith, Paul “Pizza” Pianezza
Screenwriter: Christopher Leone, Patrick Pianezza
Distributor: Aura Entertainment
Production Co: Circle of Confusion
