Watch Drunk Bus

Drunk Bus is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film. It revolves around the life of a young man named Michael (played by Charlie Tahan) who works as a campus bus driver nicknamed “The Nightcrawler”. Michael is in his mid-twenties and is yet to find his place in life. He feels stuck in his current job, serving the drunk, rowdy college students every night, and is grappling with his personal demons.

The movie is set in Kent, Ohio, a small town with nothing much to offer. The bus service is an essential part of student life in Kent, and Michael has been driving them around for years. However, one night, he finds a new co-pilot in the form of Pineapple (played by Pineapple Tangaroa), a wild and carefree Samoan student. Though their personalities and backgrounds couldn’t be more different, Pineapple and Michael strike up an unlikely friendship that is tested when they have to confront the trials and tribulations of late-night bus driving together.

Michael's humdrum life takes an exciting turn when he meets Pineapple. Pineapple’s free spirit and wackiness add fuel to Michael's otherwise mundane job, and the two start seeing the world differently. They bond over their love for music and share their life stories. Michael, who is still in love with his ex-girlfriend Amy (played by Kara Hayward), finds himself drawn to the new fraternity girl, Pineapple. Despite his initial resistance, he soon finds himself swept along in Pineapple’s world of wild parties, drugs, and crazy stunts.

As Michael and Pineapple's friendship blossoms, they face some unexpected challenges. While driving the bus, they encounter quirky and chaotic characters who can be both charming and obnoxious. There's a French girl who doesn't speak English, a drunk and belligerent frat boy, a student who mistakes Michael for a famous actor, and many more. The film reveals how Michael and Pineapple deal with these situations and their impact on their relationship.

One of the standout aspects of the movie is the soulful, indie rock soundtrack that meshes perfectly with the themes of the film. The soundtrack features artists like The National, Sharon Van Etten, and Jenny Lewis, to name a few. Their music adds an emotional depth to the film, and it's hard not to be touched by the moments of sadness, joy, and heartbreak.

Drunk Bus's director John Carlucci and Brandon LaGanke have delivered a film with well-drawn characters that manage to stay relatable and grounded in their struggles despite the surreal situations they find themselves in. Charlie Tahan's portrayal of Michael is striking, as he conveys the character's deep sadness and sense of isolation in a subtle and nuanced way. Pineapple Tangaroa's debut performance as Pineapple brings life to the film with his boundless energy and infectious charm.

In conclusion, Drunk Bus is a heartwarming and funny indie movie that will resonate with anyone who feels stuck in life. Its portrayal of the human experience and the power of friendship is both honest and refreshing. With its stunning visuals, killer soundtrack, and standout performances, this film is a must-watch.

Drunk Bus is a 2021 comedy. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 65.