Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Car-centric crime action is stylish but shallow, violent.
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Why Age 17+?
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Baby Driver
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 34 parent reviews
Parents say the movie presents an upbeat crime story with a protagonist struggling to escape a life of crime, featuring numerous high-speed car chases and moderate violence throughout. While some parents find the film appropriate for tweens and teens who can handle elements of strong language and blood, others warn that it is excessively violent and contains continual swearing, suggesting it may not be suited for younger viewers.
- upbeat crime story
- moderate violence
- strong language
- parental concern
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 135 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Written and directed by Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), BABY DRIVER stars Ansel Elgort as Baby, an emotionally damaged young man whose youthful mistakes landed him in debt to mysterious crime boss Doc (Kevin Spacey). Now Baby is a getaway driver for Doc, and he's so good at what he does that he seems unstoppable -- and stylish, since he always selects the perfect song for each caper. Just one more job will get him out of hock; then he can get a real job and live in peace with his foster father, Joseph (CJ Jones). Maybe he can even go out on a date with Debora (Lily James), the cute waitress at his favorite diner. But with the volatile Buddy (Jon Hamm), Bats (Jamie Foxx), and Darling (Eiza González) on the job, complications are almost guaranteed -- and the likelihood that Baby's going to get away clean is getting smaller all the time.
Is It Any Good?
Whenever Elgort's Baby is behind the wheel, this movie is a ballet of stylish automotive mayhem -- but the minute everyone gets out, things quickly slump into stereotypes. One last job, really? A hero whose Tragic Backstory includes a Poetically Ironic orphaning (his parents died in a car accident -- Baby drives a car!)? Exactly two female characters, including a manic pixie dream girl and a gun moll with supermodel looks who's killed to give a villain murderous motivation? Baby Driver goes exactly where you expect it will, and it has the exact same beats you've seen plenty of times before.
Nonetheless, Baby Driver isn't without its merits -- chiefly the incredible style with which its driving stunts are handled. With an impassive Elgort in the driver's seat, his ever-present earbuds clamped on and operatic songs by the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion or Queen swelling on the soundtrack, a succession of cars dart and climb and swerve and slide, drawing gasps and cheers from the audience. It's something truly beautiful to see. But it's so short on emotion that while it dazzles the eye, it fails to grab viewers on a visceral level. Baby is a hero you can enjoy but not truly cheer for. Too bad.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Baby Driver's over-the-top violence. How did it affect you? Does it seem at all realistic? How does that change its impact?
What does Baby Driver have in common with popular car-chase video games like Grand Theft Auto? Do you think shows and games that feature reckless driving have an affect on the people who watch and/or play them? Does exposure to violent media make people more aggressive?
Are any of these characters role models? How can they be heroes if they're stealing and destroying property? Can you think of other movies in which "bad guys" are the heroes?
How does the movie portray women? Does it objectify them? Does it present an unrealistic body type? Are there any positive or strong female characters?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 28, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : October 10, 2017
- Cast : Ansel Elgort , Jamie Foxx , Kevin Spacey
- Director : Edgar Wright
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Sony Pictures Entertainment , TriStar Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks )
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and language throughout
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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