Circle the Wagen

I attended the premier of Circle the Wagen last weekend during the inaugural Albuquerque Film and Media Experience and I can say without reservation that you will enjoy this film. In addition to providing a glimpse into the untold, unsung and remarkable world of the vintage Volkswagen cult, you have here both a satisfying 'buddy picture' coupled with an amazing, extended road trip. In documentary style, Dave Torstenson and Charlie Pecoraro record every foot of the journey from Tulsa to Santa Monica, much of which takes place on old U.S. 66. For anyone who has ever attempted a cross-country trip in a vintage vehicle, you will recognize all their trials and tribulations (including a hair-raising montage of the road from Kingman to Oatman, Ariz.). One cringes as the next inevitable crisis unfolds. The story is well told with good humor and a decided lack of the ear-banging and fast cutting that plague most current films. The hand of a skillful editor is apparent in the production. Circle the Wagen also features some brilliant animation slightly reminiscent of Monty Python. This is first class stuff and given the tight budget and that this is a first effort, it is something of a minor miracle. I don't know of any definite distribution plans, but should you have the opportunity to see Circle the Wagen, do it.

This film was a treat to view. It chronicles the journey of two friends across the country in a VW bus that was purchased sight-unseen in a dismal state of repair. This film is accessible to people without any knowledge of VWs, so don't think that it is a high-context esoteric experience only enjoyable to the initiated. There are animated sequences that mesh well with the film, and the production value of the entire film is excellent. The director has done an excellent job placing this story in the greater context of VW culture, as well as American society as a whole. I look forward to seeing future works from this filmmaker.

Circle the Wagon was engaging and entertaining the whole ride. The editing was tight, with arcs evenly paced throughout. I'm really hoping that this film makes it through and becomes available online or at other film festivals so I can share it with friends and family (and stop trying to describe it!). It IS a buddy film (for one) and the friendship between the protagonists and the friendships they develop is a special aspect of the film.

You don't have to know about VW Bus culture to become engaged in this film, and I don't think the filmmakers knew that much about VWs in the beginning either. Rather, this is a really funny documentary about the humanity, humility and hilarity when you follow your crazy dream.Having filmmaker friends I've learned that "the unexpected" is really what makes a documentary and it's what you hope for. Circle the Wagon got that element of surprise--it's the best movie I've seen all year.

I was able to see this film at the Topanga Film Festival in CA. What a wonderful amalgamation of passion, friendship, trust, and adventure. I laughed, cried, shivered, and cheered through the adventures taken by these two friends to follow a dream. I learned of the humanity that still exists across our country and was encouraged at the level people will still go to help one another. What an encouraging and entertaining film for the whole family. If you see nothing else, be sure to treat yourself to this documentary. This film will both restore your faith in people and leave you feeling passionate about this unique and relatively unknown (to the general population) subculture. Thanks to the Circle the Wagen Team for bringing this film to fruition and providing a wonderful glimpse of what good people are still like in this country.

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.