The Lost Bus

 

     Nobody does realistic recreations better than director Paul Greengrass. Here he tells the true story of a heroic bus driver and a teacher who drove 22 kids to safety in the middle of the devastating California "Paradise" wildfire.

      The film stars Matthew McConaughey as bus driver, Kevin McKay and America Ferrera as teacher, Mary Ludwig (in the actual events there was a second teacher, who did not want to participate in the making of the film). The film co-stars Yul Vazquez as fire chief, Ray Martinez, Ashlie Atkinson as Ruby, Ray's boss at the bus depot, and Mr. McConaughey's real mom and son as Ray's family.

       Blending actual footage and special effects, Mr. Greengrass puts the viewer in the heart of the fire. It is so well done, you can't tell where the actual fire begins and the CGI ends. You can literally feel the heat and smoke around the bus as Kevin desperately tries to find a way around the flames. And he does it dodging traffic jams, narrow mountain roads and, along with Ms. Ferrera, trying to keep twenty two kids calm at the same time. And on top of all that, Kevin worries about his own mother and son, while Mary worries about her own family, all caught, as well, in the middle of the fire.

        This heroic story (just one of many that I'm sure occurred during that catastrophic fire) is edge of your seat excitement and one hell of a ride. It's streaming now.