Reviews of “The Lost Bus” on Apple TV & KODA power failure night light
For many years I have been reviewing movies and products here. Usually, the companies who make these movies and produce these products make them available to the Press to do these reviews, in the form of Press screenings and complimentary review products. Other times, I discover them on my own, just as you would.
You might be wondering, how do I select products for review? I try to entertain and inform here, so I am inclined to review movies and products that I think you and I might like. Such was the case with “The Last Bus” on Apple TV, and the KODA power failure night light.
Review of “The Lost Bus” on Apple TV
Recently, while I was at home, I felt like taking a break and decided to watch a movie on TV. There were probably hundreds, if not thousands to choose from, between the usual broadcast channels, my Spectrum On-Demand service and several streaming channels. With all of those channels, there was a lot to choose from.
As I checked out my Apple TV streaming service, one movie in particular caught my attention: “The Lost Bus.” I read the description and learned that it is an Oscar nominated (for best visual effects), 2025 film drama about the terrible Paradise Fire in California.
I live in California, so the possibility of wildfire directly impacting my life is a constant concern. Thankfully I have only had to evacuate my home once, and the damage was limited to a fine covering of black soot on my property, which I was able to wash away.
Since this is an important subject in so many people’s lives, and the movie — which was inspired by real events — is well regarded enough to receive an Academy Awards nomination, I decided to watch it, and then review it here.
Apple Original Films provides this synopsis: “The Lost Bus” is a white-knuckle ride through one of America’s deadliest wildfires as a wayward school bus driver (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey) and a dedicated school teacher (Emmy, SAG and Golden Globe Award winner America Ferrera) battle to save 22 children from the terrifying inferno.
Thankfully there is not an over-emphasis on the backstory. We learn just enough to care about the people involved. The drama is intense and the portrayal of events realistic. It conveys a powerful sense of authenticity. The consequences are life-or-death.
The news at the time showed us the terrible devastation that occurred. We did not know how it would turn out for these people, who we grew to sincerely care about. I will not spoil this for you. To find out their fate, watch the movie. I highly recommend it.
To watch the official trailer and to learn more about “The Lost Bus,” visit: https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/the-lost-bus/.
Review of KODA power failure night light
Over the years I have bought several different night lights at Costco Wholesale. I can almost always count on Costco for competitive pricing with an industry-leading returns policy. When I saw the 3-packs of these KODA night lights at Costco recently, combined with them being sold for $5 off, I bought two 3-packs to try them out.
These are the best night lights that I have ever used — by far. Aside from their versatility for use as a night light with selectable colors and as a rechargeable flashlight, these lights are also very sensitive to motion from near or far, unlike my older night lights. Depending upon the color you select, they can either be quite bright to illuminate a large area (the lights can be rotated, to aim them), or relatively dim, if that is your preference. Blue seems to be their least illuminative color, and bright white the most illuminative. I liked them so much that I bought three more 3-packs, for a total of 15 night lights.
For some reason, I could not find them on Costco.com or the KODA website, although I did find them on Costco.ca (Canada): https://www.costco.ca/koda-modern-power-failure-night-light%2C-3-pack.product.4000370278.html. I phoned KODA, who told me that this is their most advanced night light. I suggest that you try to buy them at your local Costco Wholesale.
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Jan, I actually watched The Lost Bus when it was first released. It was exciting with good acting. I don’t know if they used real fire or SFX, but it was incredibly lifelike and scary.
I keep using 4W incandescent bulbs in my very old cheap nite lites. I still live in the Stone Age. David.
Hi David,
I suspect that some of the footage in “The Lost Bus” was probably historical archive footage from the actual fire.
Apple TV has a lot of great programs and movies. I’m on a free trial right now, but I intend to continue with a paid subscription when that ends. This year Formula 1 auto racing will be on Apple TV. I’ll be watching that, for sure!
Jan