A hot ride indeed, but still not a space rocket

Rating: 7/10 (14 January 2018)

If you're reading this then you have probably read a lot of other reviews by now. So you know the upper sides of this film. It's fast-paced, full of slick dialogues and hot car chases. Acting isn't exactly stellar, so isn't the story, but both are fine just enough to keep you entertained.
What you might not know is that, despite all its glossy charm and a pretty mighty cast (Kevin Spacey might be an a-hole off stage, but a fine actor he remains), this movie is still a rehash of the old "good guy force-tied to a bad company" story. The old-school soundtrack trope, one which worked so well for Guardians of the Galaxy, is effective in this film too, adding to its mojo, but dig one layer deeper - and everything becomes way too black and white and convenient. Ansel Elgort is charming and handsome as ever, and his character is peculiar but nonetheless charismatic. The bandits each have a one track mind they over-exploit in each scene. And even Doc's latest switch of tune - the "I was in love once" one - is as expected as it is cheesy. All rolling to a finale convenient and satisfying.
I liked Baby Driver for being just what it is - an awesome popcorn flick. It's great at that, never pretending to be anything greater. So if you want to watch a movie to have fun, then choosing this one will make you a happy person. But anything outside the entertainment scenario - including the thought-provoking part - is clearly not what Baby Driver can deliver, no matter how fast it rides. So be straight to yourself and expect no Drive from this film - to avoid any possible disillusionment afterwards.