edited on November 11th, 2023 at 12:21 pm
Baby Driver is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller directed by Edgar Wright, known for his work on “Shaun of the Dead” and “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World“. The movie follows a young, talented getaway driver named Baby, played by Ansel Elgort, who uses his driving skills to help various criminals escape after committing heists.
Review
It’s already a re-watch for me at this point. I watched it first when the movie got released in the movie theatres and really enjoyed it back then. It’s a nice watch overall, so I didn’t mind watching it again.
The film opens with an adrenaline-fueled car chase that sets the tone for the rest of the movie. The use of music throughout the film is particularly noteworthy, as it is the driving force behind many action scenes. Baby, the main character here, has tinnitus, which causes a constant ringing in his ears, so he listens to music to drown out the sound. The result is a soundtrack that perfectly complements the fast-paced action on screen and gives the right move.
Ansel Elgort delivers a standout performance as Baby, bringing a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the character, making him instantly likable. He also has excellent chemistry with his co-stars, particularly Lily James, who plays a server, he, later on, starts a relationship with. James brings warmth and sincerity to her role, making her character’s relationship with Baby feels genuine and heartfelt.
The supporting cast is also strong, with Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, and Eiza González delivering standout performances as the criminals Baby works as his crime partners. Foxx‘s character, in particular, is a scene-stealer, bringing a sense of unpredictability and danger to every scene he’s in and that’s in a literal sense.
One of the strengths of “Baby Driver” is its expertly choreographed action scenes. The car chases and shootouts are well crafted, with the camera work and editing making it clear what’s happening on screen without ever feeling confusing or overwhelming. The film also has a great sense of humor, with many action scenes and dialogue moments eliciting genuine laughs.
In addition to the action and humor, “Baby Driver” has a solid emotional core. The relationship between Baby and his foster father, played by CJ Jones, is particularly touching and adds depth to Baby’s character. The film also explores themes of redemption and second chances as Baby tries to find a way out of the criminal world he’s found himself in.
One potential drawback of the film is that it may feel a bit formulaic to some viewers. The basic structure of the movie is predictable, with Baby getting caught up in a heist gone wrong and having to use his driving skills to escape. However, the film’s execution is so strong that it’s easy to overlook formulaic elements.
Another potential issue is that some viewers may find the violence and language excessive. The film is rated R for a reason; plenty of shootouts and explosions throughout. However, the violence is never gratuitous and always serves the story and characters.
Final Thoughts
Overall, for me, “Baby Driver” is a thrilling, entertaining ride that will satisfy action movie fans, I’m pretty sure about that. It may not be the most original film, but its execution is so strong that it will keep one excited toward the end. The film’s expertly crafted action scenes, standout performances, and great use of music make it a must-see for anyone who loves a good heist movie.
Rating: C+
A+ : 10-9.3 | A: 9.2-8.7 | A- : 8.6-8.0 || B+ : 7.9-7.3 | B: 7.2-6.7 | B- : 6.6-6.0 || C+ : 5.9-5.3 | C: 5.2-4.7 | C- : 4.6-4.0 ||
D+ : 3.9-3.3 | D: 3.2-2.7 | D- : 2.6-2.0 || E+: 2.1-2.4 | E : 2.5-1.8 || F: 1.9-0
Have you heard of the movie and watched it already? Or do you plan to? Let me know in the comments!