Ratownik

Mario Casas is already a Spanish household name, and the writers of films like The Corpse of Anna Fritz and The Platform were a promising start, suggesting that The Paramedic would be worthwhile too. Unfortunately the opposite is true and for me this is one of the worst Spanish films, it has nothing in common with its brethren. It lacks suspense, atmosphere, something engaging to continue watching it, or the kind of solid final twist that the Spaniards always ground us with. Instead, it's a scream into the void, with the first 40 minutes being an introduction and the second half ending before it can begin, with no action taking. The whole film is just clichéd, bland dialogue that isn't much fun. A big, dragging bore that I would recommend to avoid. (22.09.2020)

Unfortunately, this is not another representative of the Spanish Wave and Mario Casas is not starring in another The Invisible Guest, but it is still a decent Spanish film that will not offend fans of similar work, but it won’t impress them either. The protagonist works in an ambulance, but has a bad car accident that makes him unable to walk, and while he's going through a new ordeal in his life, his girlfriend leaves him just when he needs her the most, and of course he decides to get revenge. It's a good moviethat can be suspenseful at times, and the main character is a likeable psychopath whom you can even sympathize with given his situation. There is also a twist in the finale, but we are used to that from the Spanish, but I missed something extra this time. As a one-off, however, The Paramedic is decent. Story***, Action>No, Humor>No, Violence*, Entertainment****, Music***, Visual****, Atmosphere***, Suspense***. 6.5/10. (17.09.2020)

It almost feels like Netflix was made just to churn out thrillers in Spain, and The Paramedic is another solid one. Mario Casas really shines here as a guy who just can’t handle his girlfriend leaving him after he ends up in a wheelchair. Sure, it’s a bit over-the-top emotionally, but the atmosphere is gripping enough to keep you hooked. Not bad at all. (06.11.2020)

El Practicante is a classic, uncomplicated, average thriller from Spain, this time with a quite original theme and an extremely unpleasant character played by Mario Casas, who is, as seen, an actor with many faces, as he is currently quite frequently cast in diverse roles. Here he portrayed a truly despicable character, and you will definitely find it hard to sympathize with him. While surprising moments may be hard to come by, it serves decently as an undemanding evening relaxation film. (22.12.2020)