Baby Driver – Review

Baby Driver (2017)
R | 1h 53min | Action, Crime, Music | 28 June 2017 (USA)

SYNOPSIS: A talented, young getaway driver (Ansel Elgort) relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the game. When he meets the girl of his dreams (Lily James), Baby sees a chance to ditch his criminal life and make a clean getaway. But after being coerced into working for a crime boss (Kevin Spacey), he must face the music when a doomed heist threatens his life, love, and freedom.

REVIEW: Loved this movie. BABY DRIVER is one of those films that just hums. I grabbed the soundtrack as soon as the movie was over and have listened to very little sense. Because the music in this movie is a character that is as important as anything else. Writer/director Edgar Wright has created something special in that he created perfect synergy between every thing. All parts move in harmony with each other. Not a beat is missed. Literally.

The story is sexy and slick with a slight wink. It is cocky but not in a boastful way. When a movie is confident in itself it walks with a swagger and this one freaking dances. Baby (Ansel Elgort) is one of those people you instantly care about. His backstory pulls on your heartstrings but never manipulates. He is an odd kid no doubt but that is part of the allure. He’s a good kid mixed up with the wrong people. And even they don’t know quite what to make of him. Baby is a character you want to see more and more of. Lily James is 2017’s it girl but takes a back seat in this one. I adore her and she is great casting decision for Baby’s love interest. But there are others who could have easily filled her shoes.

The bad guys – and gal – in this film are obviously having a blast. Jon Hamm, Eiza González, Jon Bernthal, Jamie Fox, Kevin Spacey; all play up their personalities to the limit. It walks the tight rope between campy and inconceivable but never do you feel cheated as a viewer. You buy into the moment, eat it up, and beg for more. Wright knew what he wanted and led his team to accomplish it. There had to be trust on both sides and it paid off.

Action is key in a film like this and BABY DRIVER keeps the pedal to the floor. Even during the down times when it is more about character development and dialogue, the momentum never lags. The beats and rhythms of the film never stop. If this film is not recognized for sound editing and mixing come award season then I will know our industry is flawed. When so much detail is applied that even the car door chimes are in beat with the music? Come on now.

BABY DRIVER is rated R mainly for violence and a little adult language. I see why it is rated R but it seldom feels like a rated R film. If that makes sense. I am going to see it again and again. It gets 4.75 out of 5 shuffle modes. For such a simple concept to end up this brilliant and memorable gives me hope for the future of cinema. Thanks, MrWright. We needed this.