Last night, Ray and I met our friend David Bode for dinner and a movie. As always, the conversation was spirited though I must admit I was a little pooped after the early morning Breakfast Club and the three-hour consecration of our new Episcopal BishopCoadjutor for the Diocese of Los Angeles (which was lovely, by the way). Still, I was happy to see David and catch up with him after our time away. I wasn’t certain how long I’d stay awake in the movie we’d picked, but in retrospect, I needn’t have worried.
Baby Driver stars Ansel Elgort, who is an unknown to me, but apparently played the lead in the film, “The Fault in Our Stars” back in 2014. He is the main character in this action film and is, in fact, the baby driver for Kevin Spacey, who plays Doc, a crime boss, who has pulled “Baby” into the world of robberies, which require get-away cars and get-away drivers. Baby is a masterful driver, which makes for some seriously exciting car chases; however, Baby is a multi-faceted character who really is looking for love. Hence, the entrance of his love interest, Lily James (another unknown to me) who plays a waitress named Debora. Then we have a whole range of thieves, who include Buddy (Jon Hamm), Darling (Eiza Gonzales), and Bats (Jamie Foxx). We are talking serious thieves here and let’s just say that John Hamm and Jamie Foxx will not disappoint.
The whole movie will keep you on the edge of your seat, rooting for Baby. This film is exciting, sweet and full of car chases and gun fights. Still, don’t let that aspect discourage you because the characters inhabit their roles and pull you into a complicated world where Baby has to figure out who he is and what he wants. This is all accomplished with the aid of continuous music that ties into the plot almost like a musical minus people actually bursting out in song. There is choreography, as well; just not the kind you’re used to. (I will keep this last bit cryptic because you really have to see this movie to understand how car chases can be one part of the choreography.)
The director is Edgar Wright, who directed Shaun of the Dead in 2004, Hot Fuzz in 2007, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World in 2010 and The World’s End in 2013. Clearly, Wright is doing something right to draw such acting heavyweights as Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx and John Hamm. He is also doing something extremely right to write and direct such an engaging and well-choreographed film. This is good old-fashioned entertainment with a capital E. Go see it. You won’t be disappointed.
We’ll talk again tomorrow.
Commenti