Pretty great movie.

Rating: 9/10 (17 October 2017)

Spider Man: Homecoming, The Hit-man's Bodyguard, Dunkirk, The Dark Tower, and Baby Driver are a few of the films that came out over the summer. After watching all of these and more, I believe that the movie Baby Driver will give you the best experience. In the movie, we are introduced to Baby, a driver of sorts for Doc, who organizes robberies and crimes for a "crew." Edgar Wright (the director) utilizes a fast-paced, energized plot that develops characters at the same time, amazing cinematography/camera work, and a soundtrack synchronized with action in order to create a refreshing film that will leave any viewer desperate for more.
If you skip to any point in Baby Driver, you are guaranteed to be met with one of the following: a high speed car chase, an electrifying shootout, or tense and guarded dialogue between colleagues who do not, and should not trust each other. Wright uses these three things to create an action-packed plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. At the same time however, he uses minute details in order to show the differences between Baby and the criminals he works with, such as Bats (Jamie Foxx), Buddy (Jon Hamm), Darling (Eiza González), and Griff (Jon Bernthal). Bats and the rest of the criminals are all rough men and women who are willing to do anything to finish a job, and make a few bucks. Baby, on the other hand, takes care of his adoptive, deaf father, prevents the murders of a few innocent people, and even throws a woman her purse after he steals her car. Wright does not forsake his characters in order to abuse the adrenaline rush viewers get from action. This adds an undertone that satisfies those who seek a film that solely focuses on character relationships. As a result of the well rounded approach Wright takes to make Baby Driver, he creates a movie that a wide range of people can enjoy.
In terms of camera usage/editing, Baby Driver excels. Colors seem to pop out from the screen, and Wright even designed each character's clothing according to their personality, with criminals wearing brighter colors, and Baby wearing duller clothing. This creates a clashing of sorts, which further exemplifies the difference between Baby and the true criminals. On top of this, car chases in the movie are extremely fluid and continuous, while also making a viewer appreciate the sharp turns/complex maneuvers Baby is utilizing while driving. During gunfights, crazy stunts are used, but do not muddle the scene itself, preventing the viewer from being completely confused. As a result, visuals are crisp and connected, while also being informative at the same time.
Where the film really excels, though, is in the form of its soundtrack. The soundtrack melds together with its visuals to create an extremely captivating experience. As you watch the film, you begin to realize that nearly every action sequence is timed along with the soundtrack. Music is such a huge part of the movie because of Baby's medical condition, tinnitus. In the opening scene, Baby is listening to "Bellbottoms." He dances and taps his fingers inside his car, and even his windshield wipers move in time with the song. During the meetings where the criminals plan their heists, Baby is constantly listening to music, and tapping his fingers along to the beat. During the scenes with a large amount of action, gunshots are also perfectly timed with the backing songs. People getting hit by cars, dialogue, and explosions are seemingly choreographed to fall in line perfectly along with whatever is playing at the time. Car chases follow the same pattern, and the film overall gives almost a music video vibe (a very good music video).
Baby Driver is an amazing, and innovative film. It superbly combines visuals and audio, and has plenty of car chases/gunfights to satisfy any avid action-addict. At the same time however, it will also satisfy those who look for character growth. The film as a whole gives a welcome change of direction, one particularly focused on giving viewers a perfect blend of what you see and hear. It is a very impressive film, and a must watch.