Matthew McConaughey plays a school bus driver who also has issues with his son (played by his real offspring Levi). Suddenly, he and one teacher (America Ferrera) have to drive 22 students thru blazing terror during the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, CA. This is based on a true story, but since the director is Paul Greengrass (best known for the Bourne action films), you can expect the addition of some lethal threats and close calls. Even though the story is hindered by some cliches and the action slows for personal moments, McConaughey and Ferrera do a good job of capturing the stress. Actually, the scenes of the infernos and its spread are most impressive. While there are certainly moments of tension, the story meanders, but it still creates a captivating ride.
Since this was from Apple, it only played theaters for 2 weeks, which is a shame because it deserved to be seen on a big screen for the full effect of the fire’s immersion.
NOTE: Local artist David Crank is Production Designer, as he was on the director’s last film, “News of the World,” where he was nominated for an Oscar. Click here to listen to my podcast with David. 
(3.5 / 5)
