[yasr_overall_rating]
After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail.
Before we get started allow me to confess: I’ve been a fan of this director since I was thirteen. “Shaun of the Dead” was one of the first movies I ever got from Netflix back when it first started. Since then it’s been a gleeful ride watching his hyper-kinetic comedy-genre smashups from “Hot Fuzz” to “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” on to “At World’s End.” So, I admit I’m a little biased. But there’s good reason for it.
First, let’s start with the cast: Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, Eiza Gonzalez and a cameo from both Jon Bernthal and Flea (from Red Hot Chili Peppers.) Hot damn that’s a lot of talent on screen, and it’s WORTH IT. Between Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, and Kevin Spacey, you’d think there’d be no room left for Elgort, Eiza, or James. Eiza stuns in her playful manipulation of Hamm’s character. Elgort’s sullen silence infects us with sympathy as we get to know his quirks and manners. We’re mystified as much as Lily James is getting to know such an odd, vibrant character. Imagine Ryan Gosling’s character from “Drive, but with much more of a personality. BAM! Instantly more attractive. Throw in an ominous Kevin Spacey, and downright evil Jon Hamm and you’ve got a recipe for some incredible on-screen chemistry.
Next, let’s talk about action. Cause that’s what we’re looking for in this movie aren’t we? It’s a summer action movie. Let’s see some stunts! Cars function as an extension of Baby’s body more than actual cars. He whips over, around, and through police blockades like a member of the “Fast and Furious” crew except with way more finesse. You’ve seen some of the clips in the trailers. Well, don’t worry! There’s more than just what the trailers had to offer.
“Baby Driver” lives and dies by its music. Remember how everyone came home from “Guardians of the Galaxy” singing “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Suede Shoes? I sincerely hope we’re going to have the same effect with this movie. Which is perfectly okay since the language of sound permeates the entirety of this piece. Only in “Baby Driver” can you have a car chase sequences with Ansel Elgort jamming out to Bell Bottoms by the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion complete with wipers wiping, car drumming, brake squealing, and engine growling in tune to the song. It’s a gimmick that constantly rides the line between diegetic (part of the film) and non-diegetic (just soundtrack.) It’s a natural evolution of his editing style with super smash cuts, sound effects leading the action, and music informing the action. It’s not overused, in my opinion, and therefore maintains it’s delightful effect it has on us.
For those of us familiar with Wright’s work we know the things to look for. Nobody foreshadows like this guy. Lots of movies you watch them and the moment a character drops a distinct line we go “Huh, I bet this will be important much later on.” It’s a simple setup and payoff. With Edgar Wright, we get a whole lot more. When Darling sings ‘Nowhere to Run’ on a long drive back from violence, not only is it blatantly obvious but tied into the movie’s theme, character arcs, and action. It’s subtext, context, and just plain old text. Even his gag with stitching together lines from other tv shows during a simple channel changing routine winkingly gives away plot the audience.
Look, I could brag about this movie to death. I could say it’s one of the best ones I’ve seen all summer. I could say it’s equal parts hilarious, tense, romantic, and action-packed. I could go on record as admitting it got me invested in music I never thought I’d listen to. But I feel like I need to nitpick here. This movie’s got a lot of praise. Let’s knock it down a peg or two.
First off, there’s a bit of a switch and bait for those who Baby confronts in the final showdown. I won’t exactly spoil who, but I will confess it felt a little unjustified. I was not fully expecting Kevin Spacey to turn around and assist Baby without intending to later manipulate him. In fact, Baby’s relationship to this whole world of crime only gets a vague outline. Kevin Spacey delivers some slightly clunky exposition about stealing a car full of dope and on and on. Also, we’re only given one scene referencing Baby’s obsession with recording his world around him and mixing music. Considering it motivates a kind of detour through the story, I wanted more of his own music throughout the film. What else can I nag about?
Like I said, we can nitpick because with a movie this thematically airtight there’s not a lot to ruin. It might be a lot of noise to some, but to the many, this movie will truly delight and astound. Car stunts are exciting again! No more missiles or submarines or elaborate falling out of the sky sequences. A good old-fashioned crime movie with real life car stunts and exciting characters. Go out and see this. You won’t regret it. With this movie, you can have your cake and eat it too.
In theaters Wednesday, June 28th
