Blue Bus

68-yr old August finds his friend's old blue VW in his driveway with a note of a dying wish - for August to roadtrip to New Orleans. So off he went. Everybody must have some sort of a blue bus trip. Joey laughed a LOT.

I recently attended a screening of "The Blue Bus" in Los Angeles, and it's one of the best films I've seen in years -- studio or independent. The story is meaningful and affecting, the performances are spot on, and it's well crafted technically. It's one of the few films I've seen in recent years that I want to see again, soon, and look forward to watching from time to time for years to come. It has a timeless quality -- due to the story and performances -- that give it the extra-special "something" that real film lovers love. In the current climate of cartoon mega-movies and ultra-shoot-'em-ups, "The Blue Bus" is exactly the kind of film that we need more of: a deep and authentic story, crafted with great love and talent. It's the kind of film that sticks to your ribs, not the kind that rots your teeth. In other words, it's a grown-up film, as opposed to the childish and adolescent flotsam and jetsam that clog the multiplexes. Do yourself a huge favor and see this movie when you can. You'll be very glad you did.

The themes in Blue Bus - loyalty, friendship, life discovery, loss and self discovery - are given a natural and uplifting treatment, making this film a breath of pure oxygen in an age of cinematic smog. The literary form most consonant with the structure of Blue Bus is poetry; but unlike so much of what claims to be poetry, Blue Bus is neither obscure in its meaning nor a beggar pleading for a response. We are given the human dignity in being flawed, and the joy in living a complex life, all in a sketch. From its camera placement to its unscripted dialog, the film engages the road upon which its two main characters travel. There is a map that is followed, but as in the lives we all actually live, it is what the travelers bring of themselves to their journey that makes it possible for them to arrive. Get off the treadmill and ride the Blue Bus.

I loved "Blue Bus" because it involves a black guy and a white guy traveling together for days and days, and it never matters at all that one guy is a black guy and one guy is a white guy. These friends are color-blind; consequently, the film is as well. Not since TV's "I Spy" has there been an interracial duo on the American screen with such a true balance of power. The combination of sensitive direction, compelling dialog, skillful acting and ingenious camera work makes this film insightful and delightful from start to finish. Despite the seemingly casual "on the road" feeling to it, the film has a constant sense of design and purpose - an effortless sense of suspense that engages the viewer throughout. I look forward to seeing it again as soon as possible.

We were young, we were free , we traveled in VW Buses . Then 45 years happened.

Some of us departed but there were those who didn't give up their youth despite aging .

Augie is one of these individuals . After his friend passes he makes up his mind to do the trek his deceased friend and he had talked about decades before.

He talks his friend Joe to accompany him back to where he was from, New Orleans.

Their vehicle, a 60's vintage blue VW Bus . Together they share the journey,themselves and a box of cookies and drive to New Orleans.

Shot on location throughout the southwest desert and Louisiana this is an enjoyable movie especially for people in the mood for a movie where nothing explodes.

Those from that generation ( The 60's) will especially appreciate the movie.