hit-and-miss

Rating: 5/10 (19 March 2019)

An unfortunate dip in form for Edgar Wright who seems to be trying too hard to chase a certain youth democratic in America, and so ends up sacrificing substance for style. The opening chase is a fantastic hook, and the character of Baby is teasingly introduced. There is a full palette of the much-loved Wright tropes, such as fast cutting and self-deprecating humour. But the musical theme is laid on far too thick, and the soundtrack becomes annoying after a while. The romance storyline is under-realised, with the female character really only a token presence. She is a love interest for Baby, but beyond that we know little about her, and she shows no agency or independence. It's a good performance from Ansel Elgort and a stand-out one from Jamie Foxx, but the film drags in places and lacks sincerity.