Drunk Bus

By: Kemberlie Spivey

When trying to figure out life in college, you have to deal with different obstacles. Drunk Bus tackles just how hard it is to get over an ex and trying to figure out what’s next after college. Each moment takes you back to the time in your life where there wasn’t that much responsibility and where you have fun every once in a while. The movie is not your typical story of how a twenty-something year old drifts through his college years without any plan. Drunk Bus takes you on a crazy, wild ride that whisks you back to your college days. 

Michael (Charlie Tahan) is the driver of a late night bus filled with drunken and delusional college students. Life goes on for him after his ex-girlfriend Amy moves to New York. Unfortunately, Micheal is stuck trying to figure what to do next after college. When things become super hectic on the bus the company assigns a security guard named Pineapple (Pineapple Tangaroa) for extra protection. Pineapple’s unusual way of providing structure to the bus helps Micheal maintain order through his intimidating presence. Micheal and Pineapple quickly form a real friendship, which helps Micheal learn there might be more to life than pining over an ex-girlfriend.

While Micheal deals with his obsession, Pineapple has his hands full with his own hardships, especially trying to get his daughter back in his life. After Pineapple gives some very adult advice, Micheal decides to live his best life outside of driving the bus. Micheal comes across Kat (Kara Hayward), one of the bus riders, who seems to have her eye on Micheal but he doesn’t realize it. 

Pineapple Tangaroa has great comedic timing and at times steals the spotlight with his delivery, especially with the emotional aspects when it comes to his daughter. Also, Tangaroa and Tahan bring amazing chemistry and bounce material off each other very well. Additionally, I have to highlight one of my favorite people in this movie – FU Bob (Martin Pfefferkorn). He doesn’t care about anyone or anybody. He is stubborn and always gives the audience a reason to laugh, outside of the dynamic between Pineapple and Micheal. Martin Pfefferkom’s portrayal of FU Bob made me love his sick and crazy character more.  The film also features Zach Cherry (Josh) who is hilarious and the roommate of Micheal. He elevates each one of his scenes. 

Drunk Bus brings the experience of both its co-directors, John Carlucci and Brandon LaGanke, to life.  The film demonstrates how personal it is to each of them. It really shows how writer Chris Molinaro drew on his own real life experiences. Even though most of the movie was shot on a bus, there were distinct parts showcasing the college life. However, there are times where you hope the movie picks up a lot of action rather than shooting on a bus. 

Drunk Bus is a different kind of coming-of-age story than we are used to seeing on the big screen. It is a charming, realistic and funny story about friendship and taking chances regardless of the outcome. This film definitely reminds you of how you find your long-time friends from college and the ability to take back control of your destiny. If you are looking for a funny, fear of the unknown and make you think about life type of movie, then you need to watch Drunk Bus when it comes to the screen.