the audience applauded

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

I had a chance to watch this recently and I was thoroughly surprised by this "documentary"I put that word in quotes because it really didn't play to me like your typical documentary does. This was a very endearing story about a couple of really likable guys who set out to do something rather ambitious yet mundane - drive this VW bus halfway across the United States.It sounds simple, but it ends up being anything but. This bus - "the croc" is about as close to vehicular death as any vehicle can be. Travelling the shortest of distances down route 66 proves to be an exercise in frustration and futility.Here's where this movie really sets itself apart. There are much deeper human stories going on here. First you have Dave - the owner of the croc. Dave you find out through family and friends is a very affable, friendly not-so-handy guy with a long history of unfinished business. The act of getting this bus to California ends up being much more than just simple transportation for Dave - it's a very meaningful life journey. Dave's sidekick on this journey is Charlie, who is part comic relief and part unflinching much needed moral support. Sometimes just seeing Charlie in-frame smoking his pipe is enough to put a smile on your face.Lastly, something that really shines through here is the connection between people that really restores some faith in humanity and the good will around you. All along this journey Dave, Charlie and the croc are pushed, pulled, disassembled and revived by a brotherhood of VW aficionados and their associates that will amaze you with their generosity and kindness.You will groan with frustration when the croc sputters and dies...again and again and again. You will cheer when it starts back up again limping Dave and Charlie westward one mile at a time.

This is a great movie - "road trip/buddy/docu/dramedy" is a great description because not one category can define it and it has the best elements of all the genres. It has a great hook and a great set-up and then you're along for the ride, on what might as well be a buddy narrative dramedy, but it just happens to be true, which makes it way more moving and way more hilarious! The fact that Dave and Charlie are so accessible and honest and fun, and that the people they meet along the way are so helpful and kind and open, really leaves a sense of nostalgia in your mind for a few days after watching it, of a better time when people took care of their neighbors. And the fact that Charlie - while definitely worthless in terms of car repair - is oh so devilishly good-looking - it's worth a watch just for him alone.

I thoroughly enjoyed attending the World Premier of Circle the Wagen at the Route 66 Film Festival. Our classic Camper Bus was part of the impressive line of classic VWs on Central (historic Route 66) in front of the Guild Cinema theater.Documentaries usually don't entertain me but this film is a refreshing departure from what I expect out of a documentary. Ryan Green did an excellent job taking the viewer along the ups and downs Dave and Charlie lived with the Croc. Being a long time classic VW enthusiast (and therefore also a homegrown mechanic) I wanted to jump into the film to help fix the Croc! Fellow enthusiasts did jump in and fill the need.My word for this film is "inspirational". I left the theater wanting to revisit and complete every undone project I've ever started. To think they almost didn't complete this film! I'm so glad they did!How did they get to LA? You'll have to watch it to find out. I will say it wasn't easy but if it were, where would the adventure be?

After waiting 2 years to view the final cut, i must say, that wait was Entirely worth it. Who knew, that after purchasing an obviously dubiously maintained, 40+ year-old, air-cooled VW bus on the internet, sight unseen, for less than $800 ( wait. What ?!?! ) and attempting to drive said conveyance half-way across the country on old U.S. Route 66, without even marginal previous mechanical aptitude, that the end result would be a wonderful and bonding experience for three CA college buddies; regardless that this adventure would be considered without any modern creature comforts such as air-conditioning, at least a marginally working heater, adjustable seats ( or even proper seat padding ), CD or DVD player, ABS brakes (-ha!- ), power steering ( or power Anything ! ), etc., etc. etc. ,,, you get the idea. Not bloody Likely, one might imagine. Amazingly enough, Dave was able to convince Charlie and Ryan that this was a "Great road trip documentary idea'. Never mind the challenging 'issues' which presented themselves on virtually every day of the voyage, and the continuing detective work to determine how the trip could even continue. And, after eventually abandoning all hope at a roadside 66 motel in Tucumcari, NM for 4 years, that they would return to the chaotic demise of the aptly named Croc bus and continue on, is nothing short of pure cojones, amigo's y amiga's ! If you enjoy drama, comedy, adventuring day-by-day relying on the kindness of strangers, and even a few moments of terror, then this is one film you will not want to miss.