Movie Review - Baby Driver

Baby Driver ***½ (out of 5) (R) Don’t judge this slam-bang action flick by its title. “Baby” (Ansel Elgort) is a kid who looks like he’s barely legal behind the wheel, but handles getaway cars like The Transporter series’ Jason Statham’s adolescent clone. The opening chase scene rivals anything Statham or Vin Diesel’s Fast & Furious franchise has served up to their loyal legions of adrenaline junkies.

We learn that our lad is not really a career criminal at heart, but an unfortunate error landed him in servitude to mastermind Kevin Spacey. He assembles different crews, including the occasional psycho, for each of the heists he meticulously plans, usually making Baby drive while the others pluck whatever plunder he’s picked. Our protagonist manages his duties while listening to case-specific tunes on his headphones, seeming to be in his own world while not missing a beat of the music or the proceedings around him. We also learn Baby’s backstory, accounting for his quirks, character and actions.

Just when Baby thinks he’s paid off his debt to Spacey and earned his way out of the biz, he falls for an adorable diner waitress (Lily James, who seems destined for ingenue stardom), only to learn he ain’t really off the hook. No matter how familiar some of these plot elements may seem to crime caper afficionados, Edgar Wright, whose writing and directing credits include two of my favorite action comedies - Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz; and one many others liked more than I - The World’s End - excels again in both areas. This one’s not as funny or zany as those, but it’s still a satisfying story with great action sequences, and memorable characters. Some break new ground with their roles, notably including Jamie Foxx and hometown hunk Jon Hamm. Eiza Gonzales, as the latter’s sexy, crazy partner in and out of crime, generates considerable heat in relatively little screen time.

In the mood for no-brainer summer action? Even though this may offer a bit more substance than most, the desired thrill quotient is teed up and awaiting your pleasure, thanks to your generous host, Mr. Wright. (6/28/17)