ON THROUGH THE NIGHT // A FILM REVIEW OF "DRUNK BUS"

BY MATEO MORENO

There's a kind of comedy that was a staple of the 1980's. A movie that's sweet and funny but has a real beating heart and often sneaks up on you just as you thought you had it all figured out. The kind of film that plays with a movie trope and zigs where it usually zags and it leaves you smiling leaving the theatre. That's what DRUNK BUS gives you, a cheesy smile plastered over your face and a bit of a "Huh" feeling inside, the kind of feeling you have when you realize that a sweet light hearted comedy actually surprised you.

Charlie Tahan plays Michael, a young man who seems to be in an endless rut. He's reeling from a break-up that he's still not completely over (a young woman named Amy, played by Sarah Mezzanotte) and spends his nights driving a "drunk bus," which takes college kids safely from campus into town, so that they can drink and not have to be on the road themselves. He's not happy per say, as he's practically sleepwalking through cleaning up vomit, telling frat boys to quiet down, telling others to stay behind the line and having to listen to his boss call over the CB radio and give him shit (an always reliable Will Forte). His two friends Justin and Kat often ride and keep him company (Tonatiuh, Kara Hayward) but that's practically the only bright side of his day.

After one especially rough night shift, one where he's punched by a drunk frat boy, the company hires Michael a bodyguard named Pineapple (played by tattoo artist Pineapple Tangaroa in his first main acting role). He has a face full of Maori tattoos and multiple piercings to boot. He's a big, intimidating man who turns out to be much more emotionally open than Michael. He takes Michael under his wing, if you will (in addition to protecting him on the bus), teaching him about life and not letting it pass you by. Pineapple also has a knack for befriending almost everyone on the bus, including those who he pulls apart as they're trying to fight. His patience is extraordinary in fact, and they quickly bond, forming an odd couple kind of friendship that just might be the light out of the tunnel that Michael needs.

Although the plot strands start predictable (and some stay that way), much of DRUNK BUS swings into a surprising and heartfelt territory, exploring the pain of trying to fix what seems like an unfixable life and get yourself back on track. Charlie Tahan is dependably solid as our eyes into the world, and he seems to understand that although he's driving the bus, he also understand that the film is truly about the strong supporting cast. Kara Hayward shines as a friend who just might be more and Tonatiuh plays the easy going friend with buckets of confidence. Zach Cherry and Dave Hill add an appropriate amount of weirdness to their small roles, stealing scenes every time they show up. But the true MVP of the film belongs to the bodyguard himself. Pineapple Tangaroa is the heartbeat of the film, with more than enough charm to spare. He's funny, warm, caring and is much of the reason why the film works so well. His friendship with Tahan is also quite touching, pulling on more than a few heartstrings as it goes along. DRUNK BUS is a tender look at the lost years of youth, when you're still figuring it all out, and layers on beautiful coat of paint that truly shines.

GRADE: B+

WRITTEN BY Chris Molinaro DIRECTED BY John Carlucci, Brandon LaGanke STARRING Charlie Tahan, Pineapple Tangaroa, Kara Hayward, Will Forte, Tonatiuh, Zach Cherry, Sarah Mezzanotte, Dave Hill, Martin Pfefferkorn NOW PLAYING IN SELECT THEATRES AND ON DEMAND. FOR MORE INFO: DRUNK BUS

NYFF AT 51 REVIEW: "NEBRASKA"

BY LIZ WHITTEMORE

Alexander Payne returned to the NYFF with a story of a father and son on an unusual road trip. NEBRASKA follows Woody, a curmudgeonly man who has received a very special piece of mail informing him that he is the winner of a million-dollar sweepstakes. Son David and wife Kate have had enough of his odd behavior. Woody tries on a daily basis to walk to Lincoln, Nebraska, where the sweepstakes headquarters stands; 750 miles from Billings, Montana. David concedes to his father’s emotional needs and agrees to drive him to Lincoln. On the way, they stop in the family’s former home town, Hawthorne, Nebraska. There, they are met with an eclectic lot of family members and townsfolk, all wanting a piece of Woody’s new found “fortune”.

The film is shot in black and white Cinemascope. I thought at first that this was going to bug me, but a few minutes in I was completely engaged in the look. The more quiet and extended shots of family members are elegantly emphasized with this choice. They appear as living family portraits, snapshots that will give you flashbacks to your on family gatherings. Payne explains that his choice to shoot in black and white was to mimic the landscape. It does this and much more. It lets you focus on the performances, which are incredible. Bruce Dern plays Woody. He is gritty and honest. His alzheimer's-esque portrayal of a man at his emotional wit’s end is perfection. Expect to see his name come awards season. Will Forte is easily able to drop the quirks he was so famous for on SNL. He bounces off Dern like a champion. The real queen of the screen is June Squibb. As Kate, the sharp-witted, sassy matriarch of the Grant family, Squibb is dynamite. She has one of the funniest scenes in the entire film, set in the town graveyard. I would be shocked if she didn’t get a best supporting actress nod.  Nebraska is a lovely dramedy. Payne’s direction should be appreciated. Bob Nelson’s script is both heartwarming and heart breaking. One of the best films I have seen, ever.

VERDICT: Must See

Directed by: Alexander Payne Starring: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk, Stacey Keach Written by: Bob Nelson  Content Advisory: Adult Language

BOTTOM LINE: The film only has limited release, so when you see it as any theater, do yourself a favor and buy a ticket. No matter what your family is like, Nebraska will make you want to call your folks.