Every once in a while, a film comes along that is so original and fresh, with situations and characters painted with such vibrant colors and context, that you fall in love with movies again. Inundated with superhero movies, shared universes, rehashed sequels, forced trilogies and popular culture icons turned into movies, that it has become quite unusual when a unique idea fights its way into our entertainment spectrum. Introducing the movie, “Baby Driver.”
Acclaimed director Edgar Wright continues to show how astute he is at weaving a great narrative and creating compelling characters with impressive dialogue, that makes you want more projects from him.
“Baby Driver” is a mature, fun romp filled with plenty of action, but more importantly witty dialogue to draw you into enhanced circumstances. Under many layers of nuance comes a film that explores the age-old story about a boy finding a girl, losing her and then doing everything thing possible to keep her.
Baby, played by Ansel Elgort, is the incredibly skilled getaway driver who works for a crime boss while hampered by a hearing impediment, for which he uses music as his balm. After meeting the idealist and naïve waitress Debora (Lily James), Baby wants a different life.
Utilizing fresh and mainly unknown actors in these key roles is what makes “Baby Driver” special – allowing the audience to spend our energy engrossed and focused upon the context of the story and the budding relationship between two unique characters.
The believability of Baby, as a driver and protagonist, is the crux of the film so not being bogged down with the image of the actor works.
And director Wright smartly surrounds the young talented actors with some great seasoned actors, adding a much-needed poise to the story. Kevin Spacey (Doc) plays the crime boss with the quirky and demanding flare that has become synonymous with some of his greatest roles. Jamie Foxx seems to enjoy lately playing the over the top, streetwise bad guy that allows him to cut loose.
Oftentimes, known actors like the aforementioned have a penchant for mailing in a performance, seemingly just to collect a paycheck, but when the material is as refreshing and original as“Baby Driver” there seems to be a robust optimism within their performance, invigorated perhaps by the unique story – and reminding us just how talented and special these stars can be.
If you enjoy movies that make you think and laugh, with a musical underpinning to touch your soul, then “Baby Driver” is the film for you. Go to the theater, get your favorite snack, sit back, recline and then allow “Baby Driver” to take you on the ride of your life.
Darryl King is a video director, film writer and avid Marvel/DC comic book/movie lover. Check out his reviews of Wonder Woman, The Mummy, and Alien: Covenant, right here on MMT.
Music Movies Thoughts 
Thank you for that great review! While intrigued by the trailer, i was on the fence about theater or wait for DVD. It sounds like a good theater pick!!
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I just saw it last night and Darryl hit the nail on its head. The acting was marvelous, the music a wonderful mix of old and new ,the story was fresh.
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