Baby Driver (2017)

Car-centric crime action is stylish but shallow, violent.

WHAT PARENTS got to KNOW

     Parents got to know that Baby Driver is an action-packed crime drama a few young getaway driver (Ansel Elgort) for a gaggle of Atlanta bank robbers. Violence is constant and sometimes glamorized. There are several mass shootings, with machine-gun deaths choreographed to music; you'll also see several car accidents with splintering glass and bloody dead bodies, sudden deaths, blood, and gore. Many of the characters eventually die sudden, terrible deaths. the most character may be a reckless driver who performs over-the-top stunts; parents might want to remind teens to not do this reception . Characters kiss and make references to "getting it on" or "role playing." Female characters are briefly supply, and therefore the ones who are within the movie are sidelined, portrayed during a stereotypical way, and ogled by both the characters and therefore the camera. There's many swearing, including "f--k," "ass," "goddamn," and more. One man calls another a "retard" and a "freak"; he also calls men things like "ladies" to imply they're weak. There's some smoking and social drinking; one character features a white plague he feeds by stealing.

WHAT'S THE STORY?

     Written and directed by Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), BABY DRIVER stars Ansel Elgort as Baby, an emotionally damaged young man whose youthful mistakes landed him in debt to mysterious crime boss Doc (Kevin Spacey). Now Baby may be a getaway driver for Doc, and he's so good at what he does that he seems unstoppable -- and classy , since he always selects the right song for every caper. only one more job will get him out of hock; then he can get a true job and sleep in peace together with his foster father, Joseph (CJ Jones). Maybe he can even leave on a date with Debora (Lily James), the lovable waitress at his favorite diner. But with the volatile Buddy (Jon Hamm), Bats (Jamie Foxx), and Darling (Eiza González) on the work , complications are almost guaranteed -- and therefore the likelihood that Baby's getting to escape clean is getting smaller all the time.

IS IT ANY GOOD?

     Whenever Elgort's Baby is behind the wheel, this movie may be a ballet of trendy automotive mayhem -- but the minute everyone gets out, things quickly slump into stereotypes. One last job, really? A hero whose Tragic Backstory includes a Poetically Ironic orphaning (his parents died during a car accident -- Baby drives a car!)? Exactly two female characters, including a manic pixie dream girl and a moll with supermodel looks who's killed to offer a villain murderous motivation? Baby Driver goes exactly where you expect it'll , and it's the precise same beats you've seen many times before. 

     Nonetheless, Baby Driver isn't without its merits -- chiefly the incredible style with which its driving stunts are handled. With an impassive Elgort within the driver's seat, his ever-present earbuds clamped on and operatic songs by the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion or Queen swelling on the soundtrack, a succession of cars dart and climb and swerve and slide, drawing gasps and cheers from the audience. It's something truly beautiful to ascertain . But it is so short on emotion that while it dazzles the attention , it fails to grab viewers on a visceral level. Baby may be a hero you'll enjoy but not truly cheer for. Too bad. 

TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT ...

    ▶ Families can mention Baby Driver's over-the-top violence. How did it affect you? Does it seem in the least realistic? How does that change its impact?

    ▶ What does Baby Driver have in common with popular car-chase video games like grand larceny Auto? does one think shows and games that feature reckless driving have an affect on the people that watch and/or play them? Does exposure to violent media make people more aggressive?

    ▶ Are any of those characters role models? How can they be heroes if they're stealing and destroying property? are you able to consider other movies during which "bad guys" are the heroes?

   ▶  How does the movie portray women? Does it objectify them? Does it present an unrealistic body type? Are there any positive or strong female characters?

MOVIE DETAILS

In theaters: June 28, 2017On DVD or streaming: October 10, 2017

Cast: Ansel Elgort, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey

Director: Edgar WrightStudios: Sony Pictures Entertainment, TriStar Pictures

Genre: Action/AdventureTopics: Cars and TrucksRun time: 115 minutes

MPAA rating: RMPAA explanation: violence and language throughoutLast updated: September 20, 2019

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