Three-time Emmy nominee Rainn Wilson teams up with Lil Rel Howery for the action dramedy “Code 3” from Wayfarer. Christopher Leone directs the film and co-writes the script with former paramedic Patrick Pianezza.
Randy (Wilson) is a world-weary paramedic in the midst of burnout. Ready to change careers, his day goes from bad to worse when his boss, Shanice (Yvette Nicole Brown), gives him one final 24-hour shift. Riding along with frequent partner Mike (Howery), they train Jessica (Aimee Carrero), Mike’s eager but inexperienced replacement. What begins as a routine night quickly unravels into a chaotic, citywide odyssey, testing their endurance, instincts, and sense of humor as they race from one emergency to the next.
I avoided the trailer for “Code 3”. I went into the film with the preconceived notion that it would focus on the lighter side of paramedic work, eventually transitioning into a narrative where our two leads rediscover their passion for their job. For the most part, the film does begin with that angle. Xolo Maridueña makes a cameo in the first ten minutes as a rookie who falls victim to some gross-out humor, while Rob Riggle has an extended cameo as an arrogant doctor.
Wilson avoids just becoming the character of Dwight as a paramedic and gives Randy some gravitas. The strength of the performance lies in the everyman angle that Wilson taps into, as no matter what your profession, you can relate to Randy’s frustration, particularly when dealing with someone who thinks they know your job better than you.
As our second male lead, Lil Rel Howery has the bulk of the one-liners, and he plays well off Wilson. Aimee Carrero also has a solid arc as their new trainer. What really stood out for me in the film, though, was a scene where the trio has to calm down a vet. It’s one of the most organic and powerful scenes, and it played a significant part in my final grade for the film.
“Code 3” kept my attention for most of its duration, but I could see some fans having an issue with the clichéd elements, particularly the handling of Rob Rigle’s character. Nevertheless, though, our two leads are strong, and the film did give me a new respect for paramedics.
While I doubt I’ll ever revisit the film as a one-time watch, I do recommend giving it a few.
Final Grade: B
“Code 3” is in Select Theaters Sept. 12th.
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