Baby Driver: the single best film of 2017 (only objective journalism from this guy). This is a movie that seamlessly blends thrilling action, heartfelt romance, and beautifully choreographed musical elements into a thoroughly enjoyable two hours. Hopefully, you've seen the film by now, and if not . . . well, you can't be my friend until you have.
Last week, I was procrastinating at work, like you do, when I came across a news story that really intrigued me. Basically, Edgar Wright, my favorite director and the creator of such films as Hot Fuzz, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and most recently, Baby Driver, stated on Twitter that the enigmatic getaway driver "could get back on the road real soon." Yup, you read that right. "Baby Driver 2" could be coming to a theater near you very soon. But I got to thinking, do I really want to see that movie? Let's talk about it!
Oh yeah, SPOILER ALERT for Baby Driver. In case that wasn't clear already.
Leave the first film be: The conclusion of Baby Driver
In the final scenes of Baby Driver, we see the titular runaway arrested, facing jail time for his crimes, and eventually released on early parole for good behavior and reunited with Deborah. It's an ending that I really liked, because we see Baby mature by finally taking responsibility for his actions, serve his time, and now him and Deborah are free to literally drive off into the sunset together. Wright gives us a pretty solid conclusion to a character arc that I'm not sure I want a sequel to tamper with. Because really, do we want to see Baby once again pulled back into a life of crime that he's worked so hard to finally escape? Or, even more detrimentally, return to that willingly? A storyline like that would seem to undermine all the personal growth Baby had the first time around.
In favor of a sequel: Improving supporting characters
Okay, I know I just talked for awhile about how there's no character development to be made in a "Baby Driver 2," but it would provide an opportunity to fix some of the most cited flaws of the first film (or one in particular). I refer to the character of Deborah, and the few big faults in her characterization.
Look, I love Deborah. She's a great foil to Ansel Elgort as "Baby," and Lily James gives such an endearing performance that it's hard not to like her. But her character does make some major leaps in logic — most notably throwing a relatively stable life to the wind to run away with a criminal she went on a few dates with . . . and then, apparently, waiting around for five years for him to return. And beyond those two big faults, Deborah isn't developed much as a character outside of her relationship with Baby.
Now, once again, Baby Driver is such an incredible masterpiece of a film that I'm willing to overlook minor flaws like this that are more apparent on repeat viewings. But there's always room for improvement, and "Baby Driver 2" would be a great way to shake up that dynamic between Baby and Deborah while maybe developing her character a little more.
Meet Edgar Wright: A visionary director in desperate need of a haircutCredit: www.indiewire.com
Against "Baby Driver 2:" The time jump issue
Like I said, Baby Driver ends with a five year time jump to Baby's release and a seemingly happy ending. Now, five years is a long time, and people can change a lot. Why is there any guarantee that Baby and Deborah will still feel that way about each other, and even if they do, is that an interesting way to pick up the story? Five years out, when Baby's just been sitting around and mopping floors day after day?
It could be interesting, I suppose — let's not forget that Ocean's Eleven starts with Danny Ocean (George Clooney) being release from prison and immediately planning the next job — but like I said, one of the great things about Baby Driver is that we get to watch Baby finally mature and escape that life of crime. Or at least, that's how I interpreted it. But hey, what do I know? I'm just some random guy on the Internet!
On the other hand: Going back to the world of Baby Driver
As much as I may say we don't need a follow-up to "Baby Driver," I'll admit that it would be a lot of fun to see more of that film's world. Edgar Wright brought so much style to the first film, whether it be through the truly incredible use of music, the vibrant visual designs and choreography, or the snappy dialogue. I'm not gonna sit here and say that I don't want to see more of that side of the movie. And sure, most of the colorful supporting characters died (RIP Bats, Buddy, Darling, and . . . well maybe not Doc . . .), but I've got no doubt that Wright could conceive of new characters that are at least as enjoyable to watch as the originals. Plus, it'd give me another great soundtrack to blast as I drive entirely too carelessly around town.
Credit: offday.co
Just leaving things be: The problem of "sequelitis"
Not every film needs a sequel. And there's something to be said for a one-hit wonder of a film. When we're given a two hour thrill ride with a concrete beginning, middle, and end, is there any real reason why we can't just leave it be? This is exactly how I felt when the news broke last year that a "The Accountant 2" was reportedly in the works. Now, say what you will about The Accountant — I personally loved it — but it gives us a story that's mostly resolved by the time the credits roll, and I like that those few loose threads that don't get tied up are just left to the imagination. Just because a story might be good enough to deserve a sequel, doesn't always mean it's better to see more of it.
The tipping point: Talent behind the camera
In my not-so-humble opinion, director Edgar Wright is one of the few people in Hollywood today who has yet to make a bad movie. And in the article I linked to above, it's reported that Wright has said he "has some cool ideas" about where "Baby Driver 2" could go. Since he is such an exceptional filmmaker, I think it's a safe bet that Wright is aware that any sequel will have to push both the characters and the story forward, as opposed to just being a stagnant reunion with some characters we loved the first time around.
And that's really what it comes down to for me. The core question you have to ask about "Baby Driver 2" — or any sequel for that matter — is can you develop the characters further? Can you put them into new, interesting situations that allow them to grow? Wright has avoided making sequels to great films like Hot Fuzz before, and for this very reason. If "Baby Driver 2" is going to be worth our collective dime, Wright is going to have to create another compelling story that stands up on more than just sheer style. But hell, let's be honest. If this movie gets made, you can all expect to see me there opening weekend regardless.
So what do you think? Are you excited by the possibility of "Baby Driver 2?" Or would you rather just see the first film left to stand on its own? Comment and let me know!
This article, along with a full review of Baby Driver (2017), can be found on my personal fun-times blog, everymanfilmreviews.weebly.com.
