Actor Ansel Elgort attends a special screening of “Baby Driver”, hosted by TriStar Pictures and The Cinema Society, at Metrograph on Monday, June 26, 2017, in New York. Photo by Brent N. Clarke | Invision.

Actor Ansel Elgort attends a special screening of “Baby Driver”, hosted by TriStar Pictures and The Cinema Society, at Metrograph on Monday, June 26, 2017, in New York. Photo by Brent N. Clarke | Invision.

Review Reel: Go, “Baby Driver,” go!

I am so weary of doom and gloom action thrillers. Too often are we subjected to burly Rambo types who slow-walked out of their mother’s womb, wielding a shotgun and a belt of grenades. You know what I’m talking about: protagonists without a sense of humor and often do little other than kill things. However, this isn’t always detrimental. Characters like John Wick and Judge Dredd would lose their appeal if they felt remorse as they piled the bodies high, but sometimes we just need a little more Peter Parker and a little less John McClane. “Baby Driver” delivers just that: an action hero that feels like a real-life human being. It’s pretty damn neat.

Our main character, the unfortunately-named Baby (Ansel Elgort), is a pretty average millennial. His music is too loud, he’s always trying to rush through work, and his soul is drowning in a tragic backstory. To pay off a debt he owes to a powerful crime boss (Kevin Spacey), Baby serves as a getaway driver in a string of bank robberies and high profile heists. After meeting and falling for his waitress at a local diner (Lily James), Baby finally zeros out his account and runs to freedom. Of course, nothing good ever lasts, and Baby is dragged back into the life he never wanted. With more at stake than ever before, Baby must drive to save those he loves.

“Baby Driver” is really easy to like. While the idea isn’t exactly fresh, it’s unique enough to stand above the rest of the pack. One thing that really stood out was the film’s excellent use of musical cues. The wide array of tracks “Baby” plays throughout the film breathes life into the narrative, and fulfills a purpose deeper than simply filling space. You’ll find yourself itching for your air guitar as the songs often sync perfectly with the action. Although gimmicky at times, it’s something that few movies have managed to do well (I’m looking at you, “Suicide Squad”). The film is fast-paced and exciting; I was pleasantly surprised to find myself unsure of what was going to happen next as the pulse-pounding third act raced by. As a cast… well, the actors definitely acted, though I can’t say any performance blew me away. It’s an action movie; nobody is seeing it for the acting, anyway.

This movie has its flaws, much like most people who aren’t me. As with many action films based in our reality, you have to stretch what you consider believable. It’s burdened by a few obvious plot holes, as well as some very confusing developments. More than once, a clearly defined character does something that denies what we know about them for no reason other than to advance the story. Maybe I’m nitpicky, but it makes what would be enthralling points disengaging, and there’s no excuse besides lazy writing. Be that as it may, “Baby Driver” is an above average thrill that’s definitely worth checking out. I give it 7/10 stars.


• Jordan Line lives and writes in Juneau.


More in Neighbors

Jane Hale (Courtesy Photo)
Coming Out: Partial Reflections

Let your verses be an adventure Scattering on the morning wind the… Continue reading

Jacque Tagaban (left) and Adam Bauer (right) smile for a photo at the Alaska Bahá’í National Convention in late May. (Courtesy Photo / Adam Bauer)
Living & Growing: Justice proceeds from unity which comes through consultation

Before I proceed, I wish to thank Áak’w Kwáan and T’aaku Kwáan… Continue reading

Jane Hale
Coming Out: Ch- ch- ch- ch- changes

It’s always a gamble, a risk, a chance. We should be stuttering.

This combination images includes a picture of Larry chopping ice for water in Brevig Mission 1972, a picture of Mark and Laura watching seal skin preparation 1972. A picture at Fish Camp in 1972. (Courtesy Photos / Laura Rorem)
Living & Growing: Beyond what we know

“You stupid white people, you have no business trying to come ashore… Continue reading

Courtesy Photo /  Gina Del Rosari
Living & Growing: To Jesus through Mary

I am a Roman Catholic, was born and raised in the Philippines… Continue reading

t
Gimme a Smile: AI is coming—oh wait, it’s already here

AI is on everyone’s radar these days. Artificial Intelligence — it can… Continue reading

By 1914 when this photo was taken, Juneau had developed into an established city. The Victorian era turreted Alaska Steam Laundry (built 1901) is seen on the left, while other buildings such as the Alaskan Hotel and Central Rooming House are on the right. The rooming house was reconstructed in the 1980s. It is now the Senate Mall. (Alaska State Library-P31-021).
Rooted in Community: Alaska Steam Laundry and the MacKinnon Family

Perhaps sharing the leading roles in Juneau High School’s 1915 theatrical play… Continue reading

Thx
Thank you letter or the week of May 14

“Thank you Alaska Federation of Natives for a legacy of leadership”

Klas Stolpe
Pure Sole: A remembrance of my mother

The aroma of lupine lingered in the air at my mother’s deathbed.