20 Best Movies Of 2017

5. Baby Driver

Baby Driver Ansel Egort
TriStar Pictures

Due to his leaving Ant-Man, there was a four-year gap between Edgar Wright films. That was far too long and hopefully he won't go that long again, but the Hot Fuzz director came roaring back to the screen in stunning fashion.

Wright's action-musical is part thrilling heist caper, part jukebox romance, and a full blown adrenaline rush, all backed by an absolutely killer (and eclectic) soundtrack. It's a departure from his previous work, swapping comedy for car-chases but retaining that same sense of fun throughout, and the way the action is set to the music (and that itself is worked into the lead character) is a stunning feat of direction, cinematography, choreography, and editing.

Ansel Elgort gives the sort of winning lead performance he's been hinting at for the last few years, a mix of goofiness and undeniable cool, and is perfectly backed up by the sugary sweetness of Lily James, a manic Jamie Foxx, and a blistering, unexpected turn from Jon Hamm.

Baby Driver both reaffirms Wright has one of Hollywood's most gifted directors and sees him moving up a level in terms of style and execution, and is a pure joyride of a movie.

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Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.