Review by Jon Donnis
Christopher Leone's 2025 action comedy Code 3 takes us inside the frenetic, exhausting, and often absurd world of paramedics on a 24-hour shift. The story centres on Randy, played with weary charm by Rainn Wilson, who is ready to call it quits on a job that has worn him down. On what is supposed to be his last day, he is saddled with a student ride-along, Jessica (Aimee Carrero), while his ever-reliable partner Mike (Lil Rel Howery) keeps the ambulance rolling. Supervised by Shanice (Yvette Nicole Brown), the trio hurtles from one emergency to the next, blending humour with sudden, almost jarring glimpses of tragedy.
The film's strength lies in its balancing act. Leone finds a way to make you laugh out loud while never letting you forget the stakes. Code 3 manages to capture the gallows humour inherent in life-saving work, and there's a tenderness to it that sneaks up when you least expect. The performances, especially Wilson and Howery, carry the film, grounding the comedy with authenticity and relatability. It's a rare glimpse into the unsung heroes of the healthcare system, and Leone's direction ensures that both the funny and serious moments land with equal weight. The emotional beats are hit with subtlety, making the occasional heartfelt scene feel earned rather than forced.
Yet the film is not without its flaws. Its repetitive nature becomes noticeable over the course of the 100-minute runtime, and at times the rhythm of emergencies can feel a little predictable. The tonal shifts, while mostly effective, sometimes lean too heavily into seriousness, slightly slowing the momentum of what is otherwise a lively ride.
Code 3 is a surprising gem that is funny, touching, and occasionally poignant. It is half mockumentary, half action comedy, blending humour with the reality of life in the back of an ambulance. Leone has crafted a film that entertains while also paying tribute to the people often overlooked in emergency services. I would give Code 3 an interesting 8 out of 10.
Out Now on Digital
