Sloppy, amusing, often engaging documentary using long-hidden color film of the since-fabled 1964 cross-country bus trip by writer Ken Kesey and his frequently buzzed (or bored) Merry Pranksters. Motormouth macho hipster Neal Cassady is often stoned and often behind the wheel. Also seen: Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Timothy Leary, Jerry Garcia. A less-paranoid precursor of Easy Rider, this captures the cultural transition from beatniks to hippies, from the lingering ’50s to the true, wild ’60s, and the passing scene has some formless fascination. When a seeker trips on her first acid high, gazing at pond scum, it is a Tom Wolfe moment. (2011) — David Elliott
This movie is not currently in theaters.