The Lost Bus is one of those “Based on True Story” movies that is worthy of watching but feels like a long ride to nowhere at times. Matthew McConnauhey plays real like Kevin McKay, a divorced bus driver down on his luck, who just happens to pick up 22 school kids and a school teacher, Mary Ludwig (America Ferrera), for evacuation during the 2018 Camp Fire.
It was supposed to be a simple trip that shouldn’t have taken over 20 minutes. But as the fire raged erratically over the northern California landscape, traffic became stalled. Routes became blocked. And all communications went down. McKay had to take an alternative route that put the bus through some of the worst areas. They had to shut off the air conditioning which turned the bus into a oven. The sun and skies were blacked out.
All in all, it was an amazing feat they all made it to safety. Director Peter Greengrass has a knack for making these types of movies. His United 93 was impressive and thrilling even though we knew the outcome. But at over two hours, this movie seems to throw in some unnecessary subplots such as McKay estranged son, Shaun, played by McConnaughey’s own son, Levi. It just seems like filler to give McKay some back story.
Also, McConnaughey is much older than the real-life McKay and it shows leaving some dialogue questionable. But since it’s on AppleTV, I would recommend fast forwarding through this to get to the major scenes with the fire.
What do you think? Please comment.
Zane Says 