Baby Driver

           Sometimes, you just want an escapist, fun time at the movies.  "Baby Driver" fits the bill perfectly. Stylish, exciting, with an original concept wrapped around a common movie plot, the film fires on all cylinders.

             The film stars Ansel Elgort as "Baby". He may be a fresh face as the star but he will easily be remembered after this debut. As a getaway driver for a gang of thieves, Mr. Elgort will appeal to everyone with a winning personality and plenty of style.  The gang leader is played by Kevin Spacey, obviously having a good time as the mastermind behind a string of robberies. The rest of the "bad guys" are played by Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, Jon Bernthal, Eiza Gonzalez, Lanny Joon and Flea. Baby's love interest is played by Lily James and his mother (in flashbacks) is played by Sky Ferreira.

               Written and directed by Edgar Wright, the high concept of the film is twofold. All the car stunts are done old school with no CGI and the killer soundtrack is woven directly into the story, so much so that it perfectly choreographs the action. Baby has a permanent form of Tinnitus and uses music to drown out the constant ringing in his ears so everything he hears becomes the soundtrack for the audience. It's original and very clever. Juxtaposed to the great soundtrack are scenes of absolute silence whenever Baby communicates with his deaf, foster father (played by CJ Jones). 

                 This is a film that works so well audibly and visually  that is should be seen in a theater. It's a terrific summer "popcorn" movie.