Once Upon A Pair Of Wheels

Directed by Edgar Wright

Starring: Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, Eiza Gonzalez

Bellbottoms! As the film opens, we are welcomed to the first scene that will make the rest of the showing for you. Elgort's Baby pats along to the song as he waits for the heist crew to return to the car, every shot being as dynamic as the previous. When the team return to the car, one of the greatest car chases I've ever seen in a cinema ensures, and I was hooked, gleaming with happiness. This was my most anticipated film of the year and I knew from the opening minutes it would be the best.

Well I won't speak too soon of course. But this film doesn't disappoint. It's fun, hilarious, tense, wonderful and downright entertaining. Edgar Wright, a director who I've spoke about time and time again follows up The Worlds End with his move to big Hollywood, as Baby Driver dominates all kinds of media. If you've missed seeing this advertised anywhere or by anyone, I'm greatly surprised. I mean I've spoken about it enough haven't I? I think what really impresses me about this film in particular is just how original it is. Sure, it's a car chase/heist movie and we've seen that plenty of times before, but here Wright twists it into a musical, with all of Baby's tunes playing to the scene, the shot, the edit and the acting. And it's truly incredible.

So Baby, (Elgort) is a getaway driver who uses the power of music to be the best there is. He's extremely talented, hence being picked by Doc (Spacey) to be his main driver, who he uses time and time again. But when Baby meets Debbie (James) he realises that this isn't the life for him - he's no criminal, and when he falls in love with her he plans for them to drive away from it all. But Doc and his team of rogues are on his case.

The acting is great in this movie. Elgort is great as Baby, playing a very socially awkward character who, when he isn't speaking, pulls off a great performance still. He's interesting and there's some great development for him and as the star of the film he really doesn't disappoint. His chemistry and relationship with James impresses too, a flirtatious and bright one. Spacey and James are played well aswell, but I have to pick on Hamm as Buddy, who plays a character who went a direction I didn't expect, and I loved it. Gonzalez and Foxx play some pretty menacing additions - ones that are played very very well. My only gripes are some character flaws, some of their intentions are a little odd and sometimes don't match up to things they've said or thought, but they can be excused by how you view the film. And honestly, that's my only problem with the this.

Wright's excellent crafting and mixing of sound, music, editing and cinematography is exceptional. Every shot is thought about and every action is considered - nothing falls flat and it's so stylish. Wright knows what he wants and he puts it forward in a way that keeps you on your toes at all times. This film is constantly fun. There's always something interesting going on, and a lot of that is due to these quirky characters and the fantastic soundtrack. There is obviously a key focus on music and each song works in every scene - some of the lyrics reflect whats happening, and every beat of music is captured alongside what is going on. It never takes a backseat.

But what really makes this film strong, as said, is how original it is. Whilst Wright usually handles adaptations and parodies, this is special. It's something that I'm sure so many filmmakers are kicking themselves at thinking: 'why didn't I think of that?' The musical element is a gimmick but it adds so much to your typical car chase film. It's interesting, clever and there is never a dull moment. As well as being utterly hilarious, you'll find yourself smiling so much throughout.

Edgar Wright can do no wrong. And whilst it may not excel over some of his previous works I think it shouldn't be compared to them. It's different. And that's good, it's great to see a change of focus for Wright yet still nice to see the magic he's brought to this as with his other films. Baby Driver is entertaining, whimsical and quirky. I can't wait to watch it over and over again. Thank you Edgar.

The Good

- A clever and original idea

- Entertaining all the way through

- Cast and characters

- The soundtrack!

- Excellently shot and edited

- Super stylish

The Bad

- Some character intentions are questionable

9/10