Director: Edgar Wright
Cast: Ansel Elgort, Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Elza Gonzalez
Release Date: June 28, 2017
Rare is the movie that’s willing to put the pedal to the metal, dare to be bold, and accelerate past the sequels, prequels, and superhero movies to stand out as a cultural juggernaut at the box office. Crafted by the master hand of visionary Edgar Wright, Baby Driver is a cult classic brought to life with sheer bravado and a killer soundtrack.
Baby (a charismatic Elgort) loves three things most in the world: a good tune, his adoptive father, and getting behind the wheel. We’re not talking driving an ice cream truck or even circling the track for NASCAR. Baby is a bona fide criminal, serving as the getaway driver for a number of crimes. Led by his mentor Doc, Baby does what he’s best at, all the while never losing his ear buds, sunglasses, or enigmatic nature. However, that all changes when he falls for Debora (James), a waitress who wants to get out of town and find a better life. After all, who doesn’t love a bad boy with a heart of gold? Suddenly it’s more important than ever to keep blood off his hands. This proves difficult when he falls in with a trio of ruthless cutthroats with their eyes on the prize (a manic Hamm, sultry Gonzalez, and slightly miscast Foxx). He’s no longer dipping his toe in the life of a criminal but taking the full plunge.
Stylish, funny, and suspenseful, Baby Driver is everything that’s great about going to the movies. It’s a throwback to a bygone era, while at the same time being a contemporary action/romance with endless charm and total staying power. In other words, it’s what Drive was trying to be until the tires spun out. From the direction to the actors, everyone seems genuinely full of joy to be part of making this film. And for good reason. Baby Driver has drive-in magic and blockbuster appeal pulsing with every beat.