When you think of Stan Lee, you probably picture his iconic Marvel cameos, but did you know his very first big-screen appearance was in a little-known R-rated thriller? Yes, the man behind Spider-Man and the Hulk kicked off his acting career in a movie about a killer ambulance! But here's where it gets intriguing: The Ambulance (1990), directed by Larry Cohen, isn't just a random choice. Both Lee and Cohen shared deep roots in the Bronx, and their collaboration was a match made in New York City heaven—or should we say, the quirky underbelly of it? And this is the part most people miss: Lee didn’t just walk by in the background; he had actual scenes and dialogue, playing a version of himself as a Marvel Comics editor. It’s a rare treat for fans, as most of his later cameos were fleeting walk-ons.
The film itself is a wild ride. Eric Roberts stars as Josh Baker, a comic artist with a mullet that screams the ’90s, who finds himself in a nightmare when his love interest, Cheryl (Janine Turner), is snatched by a mysterious ambulance. As Josh digs deeper, he uncovers a sinister plot involving illegal medical experiments on diabetics, led by a mad scientist (Eric Braeden). But here’s the twist: the real star might just be the ambulance itself, prowling the streets like a metal predator. With a supporting cast including James Earl Jones as a skeptical cop and Red Buttons as a veteran reporter, the movie blends horror, comedy, and absurdity in classic Larry Cohen fashion.
But here’s the controversial part: Is The Ambulance worth watching beyond Stan Lee’s cameo? While Lee’s presence is a fun easter egg, the film stands on its own as a cult classic. Cohen’s signature style—think homicidal mutant babies (It’s Alive) or Aztec gods in the Chrysler Building (Q – The Winged Serpent)—shines through, mixing dark themes with offbeat humor. Eric Roberts delivers one of his most charming performances, and the chemistry between him and Red Buttons is pure gold. Yet, some might argue the plot stretches believability, and the horror elements fall flat. So, is it a hidden gem or a B-movie curiosity? That’s for you to decide.
Thought-provoking question: Does Stan Lee’s cameo elevate The Ambulance to must-watch status, or is it just a footnote in his legacy? Let us know in the comments—and if you’ve seen it, share your take on this bizarre yet entertaining thriller!
