Hubbry Logo
Drunk BusDrunk BusMain
Open search
Drunk Bus
Community hub
Drunk Bus
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Drunk Bus
Drunk Bus
Drunk Bus
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Drunk Bus
Promotional poster
Directed by
  • John Carlucci
  • Brandon LaGanke
Written byChris Molinaro
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyLuke McCoubrey
Edited byTaylor Levy
Music by
Production
companies
  • Ghost+Cow Films
  • Hollenbeck Film and Experience
Distributed byFilmRise
Release dates
  • October 15, 2020 (2020-10-15) (SDIFF)[1]
  • May 21, 2021 (2021-05-21) (United States)
Running time
101 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Drunk Bus is a 2020 American comedy-drama film directed by John Carlucci and Brandon LaGanke in their directorial debut, and starring Charlie Tahan and Kara Hayward.[2][3] The film was released on May 20, 2021, and received positive reviews from critics.

Plot

[edit]

Michael, a recent college graduate, finds himself stuck as a bus driver for a party school in Ohio after failing to pursue his dream of becoming a photographer. He spends his nights driving the "drunk bus," shuttling intoxicated students back to their dorms from parties.

Following a violent incident on the bus, Michael's boss hires Pineapple, an imposing man with Maori face tattoos and piercings, as his security. Despite his initial intimidation, Michael discovers Pineapple's kind and insightful nature. As they spend time together, an unlikely friendship forms, and Pineapple provides Michael with valuable life advice, prompting him to reconsider his perspective.

Simultaneously, Michael deals with the aftermath of a painful breakup while trying to find his place in the world. Amy, his ex-girlfriend, returns to their college town from New York, adding complexity to his emotional journey. Struggling between his past and future, Michael must confront his feelings for Amy and decide on his true desires. As he grapples with these challenges, he faces a critical choice: continue his dead-end job or take a leap of faith to pursue his writing dreams and leave the "drunk bus" behind.

Cast

[edit]
  • Charlie Tahan as Michael, a 20-something driver of a drunk bus
  • Kara Hayward as Kat, Michael's friend
  • Pineapple Tangaroa as Pineapple, a bodyguard hired for Michael's bus after an altercation.
  • Zach Cherry as Josh, Michael's lazy roommate
  • Sarah Mezzanotte as Amy, Michael's ex-girlfriend
  • Dave Hill as Devo Ted, a drug dealer
  • Tonatiuh as Justin
  • Martin Pfefferkorn as FU Bob, an elderly passenger Michael helps.
  • Frank Iero as Hank Hero
  • Dresden Engle as Bus Driver
  • Will Forte as Fred, Michael's boss at the depot (uncredited)[4]

Production

[edit]

Carlucci and LaGanke originally wanted to shoot the film in Kent, Ohio, where they are from, but were convinced by producer Eric Hollenbeck, a native of Elmira, New York, that Rochester, New York would be a cheaper option with a similar aesthetic.[5] Principal photography began on March 1, 2019, in Rochester,[6] and wrapped on March 18.[7]

Release

[edit]

The film was to have made its worldwide premiere at South by Southwest in March 2020.[8][9][10][11] However, the SXSW Festival was cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, thus postponing the premiere of Drunk Bus.[12][13][14] On October 15, 2020, the film premiered at the San Diego International Film Festival.[1]

In January 2021, FilmRise acquired North American distribution rights to the film.[15][16]

Reception

[edit]

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 98% based on 43 reviews, with an average rating of 7.2/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Fueled by a blend of rowdy comedy and poignant drama, Drunk Bus takes audiences on an uncommonly rewarding coming-of-age journey."[17] According to Metacritic, which assigned a weighted average score of 65 out of 100 based on 11 critics, the film received "generally favorable" reviews.[18]

In her review for The Guardian, Phuong Le praised the "slacker comedy" for its ability to avoid feeling "grating" despite its over-familiar indie elements. She highlighted the film's believable performances and deep understanding of the setting in Kent, Ohio, which lent it a "cheeriness that is both entertaining and heartwarming". She also praised how the portrayal of the character Pineapple skillfully avoided falling into the "Magical Negro" trope. Le rated the film 3 out of 5 stars.[19]

Monica Castillo of RogerEbert.com rated Drunk Bus 3 out of 4 stars and described it as a "sweet, late bloomer coming-of-age comedy". She praised the film's ability to surprise viewers by subverting expectations and highlighted its sincere exploration of trust and healing, as well as the standout performances of the main cast.[20]

Boston Herald rated the film A−. They praised the film's perfect casting, memorable secondary characters, and the standout performance of Pineapple Tangaroa.[21]

Sandy Schaefer of Screen Rant awarded the film three stars out of five, saying: "Thanks to its charming cast and even-handed blend of laughs and drama, Drunk Bus generally succeeds in putting a fresh spin on its familiar story."[22]

Accolades

[edit]

Drunk Bus won the Best Narrative Feature Award from both the Jury and the Audience at the 2020 San Diego International Film Festival.[23]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Drunk Bus

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Drunk Bus is a American independent comedy-drama written by Chris Molinaro and directed by John Carlucci and Brandon LaGanke in their feature directorial debut. Set on a fictional college campus, the film centers on Michael, a directionless recent graduate and night-shift bus driver played by , who ferries inebriated students home on the aptly named "drunk bus." Michael's mundane routine is upended when he forms an unlikely friendship with , a 300-pound Samoan portrayed by Pineapple Tangaroa, amid personal heartbreak and chaotic late-night escapades. The narrative explores themes of personal growth, letting go of toxic relationships, and finding unexpected kinship, as Michael grapples with his ex-girlfriend Amy's departure to New York and learns life lessons from Pineapple's no-nonsense wisdom. Supporting characters, including Michael's coworker Justin (Tonatiuh) and love interest Kat (), add layers of humor and tension drawn from the rowdy, alcohol-fueled bus rides. Filmed over winter in , the 101-minute film blends sincere coming-of-age elements with authentic, uncomfortable humor, reflecting the directors' roots in viral shorts and music videos. Drunk Bus premiered at in March 2020 and was released theatrically and on demand in the United States on May 21, 2021, by . It received critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances, particularly from Tahan and , earning a 98% approval rating on based on 41 reviews. awarded it three out of four stars, praising its balance of comedy and emotional depth while noting some clichéd moments. On , it holds a 6.2 out of 10 rating from over 1,300 users, with audiences appreciating the film's quirky charm and relatable character arcs.

Story and Characters

Plot

Michael (Charlie Tahan) is a recent college graduate left adrift in his small Ohio town after his girlfriend Amy (Sarah Mezzanotte) moves to for a job opportunity, upending their shared plans for the future. Struggling to move forward, he takes a night-shift job driving the "drunk bus," a shuttle service that ferries inebriated students between bars, parties, and dorms during weekend nights. The role exposes him to chaotic encounters with rowdy passengers, including frat boys who egg the vehicle and a co-ed plagued by night terrors, highlighting the unpredictable rhythm of life. The turning point comes when a belligerent passenger assaults Michael, prompting his boss—a brusque played by —to assign ( Tangaroa), a towering, tattooed Samoan and aficionado, to ride and ensure safety. Initially overwhelmed by 's larger-than-life energy and unorthodox advice, Michael gradually forms a deep bond with him, as shares stories from his own turbulent life and pushes Michael to confront his lingering heartbreak over . Their nights together introduce Michael to an eclectic circle, including his slovenly roommate Josh (), the cantankerous wheelchair user known as FU Bob (Martin Pfefferkorn), and 's erratic friend Ted (Dave Hill), a marijuana supplier obsessed with . Amid these interactions, Michael begins to shed his passivity, developing a budding interest in a fellow campus regular (), though memories of continue to complicate his emotional progress. As the story builds, Michael uncovers vulnerabilities in Pineapple's tough exterior, including personal hardships that strain their friendship and force Michael to reciprocate support. The narrative culminates when unexpectedly returns, eager to revive their relationship and pull Michael back into his old patterns. In a pivotal confrontation at a event, Michael draws on the resilience he's cultivated through his bus-driving routine and Pineapple's influence to assert his independence, choosing growth over regression and forging a path toward self-reliance. The film ends on an open note, with Michael and Pineapple's journeys diverging yet leaving echoes of their kinship, symbolizing the transient connections that shape young adulthood.

Cast

The principal cast of Drunk Bus emphasizes an ensemble of up-and-coming performers from the indie film circuit, portraying the interconnected lives of young adults navigating post- limbo on a fictional . Lead actors
stars as Michael, the protagonist bus driver, a laid-back recent graduate thrust into nightly responsibility shuttling inebriated students.
plays Kat, Michael's close friend and an artistic outsider who encourages his personal growth.
Pineapple portrays Pineapple, the security guard, a charismatic Samoan assigned to safeguard the bus route. Supporting cast
appears as Josh, Michael's slacker roommate who embodies aimless campus life.
Tonatiuh as Justin, a fellow student and friend in Michael's social circle.
as Amy, Michael's ex-girlfriend whose departure sets his story in motion.
Dave Hill as Devo Ted, Pineapple's erratic friend and marijuana supplier obsessed with Devo.
Martin Pfefferkorn as FU Bob, the cantankerous wheelchair user.
Notable appearances include voicing Fred, the quirky dispatch supervisor overseeing Michael's shifts.

Production

Development

The development of Drunk Bus originated from co-director Brandon LaGanke's personal experiences driving the "drunk bus" at between 2001 and 2005, a late-night shuttle service designed to transport intoxicated students safely across campus. LaGanke, along with co-director John Carlucci and Chris Molinaro, conceived the story by drawing on these real-life anecdotes, including encounters with eccentric characters and unpredictable events during nightlife. The trio aimed to capture an authentic portrayal of aimless young adulthood, blending humor with poignant moments of self-discovery, as LaGanke noted: "The core of the story, this setting, and especially the characters, came from my experience in ." The , written by Molinaro based on a story by Molinaro, Carlucci, and LaGanke, evolved over several years from the directors' original concept, incorporating research trips back to Kent State to ensure fidelity to the source material. Revisions emphasized the film's balance of rowdy and emotional depth, transforming personal stories into a cohesive centered on a directionless and his unlikely mentor. This process marked Molinaro's first produced feature , completed approximately five years before began. As first-time feature filmmakers, Carlucci and LaGanke—who had previously collaborated on commercial and projects, including one accepted at SXSW—faced significant hurdles in securing funding. Initially pitching to studios and investors without success, they ultimately relied on a low-budget indie model supported by contributions from high school friends. Key team members assembled during this phase included Eric Hollenbeck, who brought over a decade of production experience, and cinematographer Luke McCoubrey. Non-actor Pineapple Tangaroa, a real-life inspired by LaGanke's college memories, was attached early and spent four to five years in preparation for his breakout role. Pre-production spanned roughly four to five years, beginning around 2014-2015 with script refinement and , and culminating in and by late 2019. The project was selected for the 2020 SXSW Film Festival lineup prior to its cancellation due to the , signaling the completion of efforts.

Filming

Principal photography for Drunk Bus commenced in early 2019 in , capturing the winter setting essential to the story's atmosphere. The production wrapped with four final days of shooting in , in March 2019. Filming primarily utilized the campus in Henrietta to stand in for the fictional college, including dorms and exteriors that highlighted the snowy, isolated vibe of the region. Interiors of the central "Drunk Bus" were largely constructed on a makeshift soundstage in a Rochester storage facility, where gutted school buses served as the core set for confined, nighttime sequences. Exteriors of the bus were captured on location during winter nights to integrate authentic environmental elements. The production faced significant logistical hurdles due to the harsh upstate New York winter, with freezing temperatures during night shoots, leading to equipment freezes, bus mechanical breakdowns, and the need for rapid adaptations to unpredictable snow conditions. These elements influenced on-set decisions, such as adjusting scenes to incorporate real weather for the film's climactic snowstorm sequence. Cinematographer Luke McCoubrey shot the film digitally using Arri Alexa Mini cameras, employing tight, claustrophobic framing inside the bus to heighten tension and employing a "poor man's process" with rear projection and LED lighting rigs to simulate motion and passing headlights without extensive VFX.

Release and Reception

Premiere and Distribution

Drunk Bus was selected for the Visions program at the (SXSW) in 2020, but the event was canceled due to the . The film's festival screenings generated buzz among industry professionals, contributing to acquiring North American distribution rights in January 2021. Its world premiere occurred at the on October 15, 2020. The received a limited theatrical rollout in the United States starting May 21, 2021, distributed by . This release was accompanied by a simultaneous (VOD) debut on the same date, making it accessible through digital platforms. International expansion was modest, with availability primarily through digital channels in select markets, including , via global VOD services beginning in late 2021. In terms of home media, a physical Blu-ray edition was issued on March 8, 2022, by Ronin Flix. By 2023, the film had become available on subscription streaming services such as . Accessibility further increased in 2024 with additions to ad-supported free platforms like and . As of 2025, it remains streamable on these services, enhancing its reach for audiences. The limited theatrical run resulted in negligible box office performance, with no significant domestic or international earnings reported, consistent with the constraints of many indie releases during the era.

Critical Response

Drunk Bus received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, earning a 98% approval rating on based on 41 reviews, with the site's consensus describing it as "fueled by a blend of rowdy and poignant " that offers an "uncommonly rewarding coming-of-age journey." Critics frequently praised the film's authentic humor and heartfelt moments, highlighting its depiction of college life in rural , though some noted uneven pacing and reliance on familiar tropes. On , it holds a score of 65 out of 100 from 11 critics, indicating generally favorable reception with emphasis on its entertaining cheeriness. Key critics lauded the ensemble chemistry and performances, particularly the odd-couple dynamic between the lead characters. In The Guardian, Phuong Le commended the "endearing odd couple" that keeps the slacker comedy on track, while appreciating the believable portrayals amid a host of off-kilter characters, though faulting a shaky balance between drama and comedy. Monica Castillo of awarded it three out of four stars, calling it a "sweet, late bloomer coming-of-age comedy" that effectively explores learning to release toxic relationships and embrace new connections, with strong ensemble interactions driving the narrative. Other outlets, such as , highlighted the charming cast and even-handed mix of laughs and drama, which refreshes familiar coming-of-age elements, while MovieJawn noted that despite criticisms of story structure, the positives in humor and character moments outweigh the flaws. Thematically, Drunk Bus delves into the isolation of rural life, the of navigating young adulthood, and the formation of found-family bonds aboard the chaotic bus route. Reviews interpret the protagonist's directionless routine as a metaphor for post-graduation stagnation and social disconnection, contrasted by rebellious antics and influences that underscore themes of youthful defiance and camaraderie. The 's motifs of music—particularly through the security guard's punk persona—and against monotony highlight the of handling inebriated passengers, symbolizing broader struggles with and belonging in a small-town setting. This blend captures the bittersweet transition to adulthood, emphasizing emotional growth amid comedic mayhem. Audience reactions have been generally positive, with an average rating of 3.1 out of 5 on from over 1,500 users, who often appreciated its relatable portrayal of college chaos and feel-good vibes. Post-release discussions highlighted the 's humorous take on managing "drunk" scenarios as a non-literal for youthful mishaps and social navigation. On , the audience score stands at 71%, reflecting enjoyment of its lighthearted energy despite some finding it uneven.

Accolades

Drunk Bus garnered recognition primarily from independent film festivals, underscoring its appeal as a debut feature in the comedy-drama genre. It was selected for the Visions sidebar at the 2020 SXSW Film Festival, though the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the 2020 San Diego International Film Festival, Drunk Bus won the Best Feature Film award from the jury and the Best Narrative Feature Audience Award, marking a significant early honor for directors John Carlucci and Brandon LaGanke. The film also received a nomination for Best Feature Film at the 2021 Royal Starr Film Festival, further affirming its festival circuit presence. Overall, while Drunk Bus did not secure major guild or critics' group awards, its festival accolades emphasized its indie credentials and contributions to coming-of-age storytelling.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/drunk_bus
  2. https://filmrise.com/uploads/press-kits/DRUNK-BUS-Production-Notes-1.pdf
  3. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/drunk-bus-movie-review-2021
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5134254/
  5. https://kickseat.com/written-review/drunk-bus-2021
  6. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/drunk_bus/cast-and-crew
  7. https://filmrise.com/uploads/press-kits/DRUNK-BUS-Production-Notes-2.pdf
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5134254/fullcredits/
  9. https://screenrant.com/drunk-bus-movie-brandon-laganke-john-carlucci-interview/
  10. https://lbbonline.com/news/lbb-film-club-drunk-bus
  11. https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2021/05/21/drunk-bus-movie-shot-rochester-ny-stars-charlie-tahan-kara-hayward-will-forte/5164399001/
  12. https://www.fltimes.com/briefs/drunk-bus-movie-finishes-filming-in-montour-falls/article_720b8619-b482-56a7-b533-371c239d3224.html
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5134254/locations/
  14. https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/sxsw-2020-cameras-lens-arri-red-sony-canon-1202219054/
  15. https://solzyatthemovies.com/2020/03/13/sxsw-2020-drunk-bus/
  16. https://deadline.com/2021/01/drunk-bus-north-america-deal-bisping-ufc-documentary-joshua-jackson-1234674567/
  17. https://letterboxd.com/film/drunk-bus/
  18. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Drunk-Bus-%282021%29
  19. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/drunk-bus
  20. https://roninflix.com/products/drunk-bus-special-edition-blu-ray
  21. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Drunk-Bus/0LW6JXIWMHOZ4BWQG3BJMBF7J0
  22. https://tubitv.com/movies/100012903/drunk-bus
  23. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/drunk-bus/
  24. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/may/25/drunk-bus-review-endearing-odd-couple-keep-slacker-comedy-on-track
  25. https://screenrant.com/drunk-bus-movie-reviews/
  26. https://www.moviejawn.com/home/2021/5/21/drunk-bus-review
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5134254/reviews/
  28. https://www.mediaplaynews.com/filmrise-acquires-feature-drunk-bus/
  29. https://radialentertainment.com/drunk-bus
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5134254/awards/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.