By guest columnist k.e.n.n.y.h.
Challenge: Watch this film and then try to drive home normally and not like you’re a getaway maniac juiced up on hard rock and coffee (I may/may not need a lawyer soon)…
(Editor’s note: this review was originally written when Kenny saw it, slightly before we found out unpleasant things about Kevin Spacey. That information in no way changes his performance in the film, there’s just additional subtext.)
Baby Driver is the love child of writer/director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the dead, Hot Fuzz, World’s End). Seriously, this began back in 1994, which became a 2003 music video, which also is shown oh so briefly in the film, but I digress.
The film has Baby (Ansel Elgort) working as a getaway driver for Doc (Kevin Spacey), a relationship not exactly based on trust and mutual affection. Baby has some issues but it is fair to say he has some incredible (near superhuman) driving abilities which Doc is more than happy to exploit.
But as with all great heist teams and plans, crap is sure to happen when someone wants out and the other one wants a pay day (putting it very simply).
It’s hard not to give away an interesting plot here, so I won’t spoil it. Suffice to say there are a few great twists in the story, some laneways you might think you know but really lead you somewhere else entirely.
The stars here all shine with fantastic performances. Lily James as Debora, Jamie Foxx as the unhinged Bats, surprise package Jon Hamm as Buddy and entertaining cameo by the other Jon (Bernthal). Kevin Spacey again just delights on screen and his character has some surprises in store you won’t see coming.
But the biggest star is the sound track. The music numbers are edited into the film to be almost audible scenery, or composed to be like another character, or for others to be a bridge to link parts of the story’s own history. This has been done very creatively – totally loved it.
This isn’t perfect. There are slow paced sections where we get a deep dive into particular characters. But the payoff in the last act is superb, and I can say honestly you will get there wondering “how the hell is this going to end?” because it will get nuts.
Some may not like it. This isn’t Fast & Furious. But if you like to drive with the music up while you avoid the world around you – you’ll get a kick out this. All you need is one killer track.
Take care ????
K.e.n.n.y.h loves good stories, good laughs, and mind-blowing action. And when things are quiet, movies too. Find more on instagram.
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