Edgar Wright Gets A Little Fast And Furious This Summer

A couple months back, I praised James Mangold’s Logan as a refreshing comic book movie, moving away from capes and CGI macguffins. Despite having comic book characters, it felt like a more grounded, emotional film. It felt wholly original, despite coming from the panels of a classic Wolverine storyline.

As the summer months passed, more comic adaptations were released. Despite the acclaim that films like Wonder Woman and Guardians of the Galaxy received, it still seemed that this past summer will be remembered for its overblown superhero movies.

Of course, no one told Edgar Wright, who delivered his signature coolness to one of the most blistering summers in recent history.

Even though Hot Fuzz is Wright’s best film to date, (fans of Scott Pilgrim can email me directly with  their hate) his latest effort Baby Driver is nothing short of astonishing.

Unfortunately, it pains me to have to review it, because that would require me talking about the movie. Sure, I’ve done it in less than 140 characters on Twitter, several times. This is a different case, if it were up to me, I would leave the page blank with the words “SEE THIS MOVIE” in bold written for all to read.

In a world of responsibilities and deadlines, that would be merely impossible. The most basic of plot details I can give are as follows: a young getaway driver is coerced into major heists that eventually go awry.

The story evokes the best of 70’s action films. Wright’s love of films is in full effect here, echoing movies like 1978’s The Driver to 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road.

The twist comes with its use of music. The sounds of engines revving is accompanied by opening bassline to “Neat Neat Neat” by the Damned or shotgun fire complements the iconic beat to “Tequila” (of Pee Wee’s Big Adventure fame). All of this essentially marries the precise and lightning fast editing style that Wright has been known for.

This marriage of sound and editing is joined by razor sharp writing. All of the lines delivered by cast members like Kevin Spacey, Jon Hamn and Jamie Foxx feels funny and natural. Jokes land perfectly, and although there aren’t any overt movie references like past films in the Brit’s catalogue, it still feels fresh and funny.

Baby Driver feels like a breath of fresh air. One that hits you at more than 200 miles per hour, with the windows down, and with some amazing punk music blaring. Edgar Wright has, unsurprisingly, delivered another genre film with spectacular style and grace.

If guys in capes have you depressed, look no further than the horse powered joyride that is Baby Driver.

Just watch it, please.