Mise en bière

"A. J. Norbecker" (Kenneth Mars) is the owner of a brewery which has seen its sales of "Norbecker" beer decrease to abysmal levels. He attributes this to the poor marketing firm that he has hired and gives them one more chance to revive his sales. The advertising firm turns to "B. D. Tucker" (Loretta Swit) in a desperate attempt to keep the million-dollar account. As luck would have it, she and a veteran director named "Buzz Beckermann" (Rip Torn) go to a seedy bar and witness a robbery attempt which is accidentally stopped by three men: "Elliott Morrison" (David Alan Grier), "Merle Draggett" (William Russ) and "Frankie Falcone" (Saul Stein) who are nursing their beers while mulling over their bad fortunes. Because she needs something fantastic for a commercial, she uses some creativity and casts all three as heroes who prevented the robbery because it interfered with their drinking Norbecker Beer. This causes a sensation within the beer drinking world which feeds on itself and rapidly takes a life of its own. At any rate, the humor is okay but there is some sexual innuendo involved as well as some politically incorrect jabs at certain groups. Overall, the acting is adequate except for Loretta Swit who looks nice and probably gives a better-than-average performance. An average comedy all things considered.

I get it, I'm politically correct now. But there was a time when this was not yet the norm. As a woman, a few scenes here are hard to swallow. However, this film is very funny, understanding its context, its time. Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by the ancient iconic beer commercials and the stories behind them, the ridiculous world of advertising. David Allen Grier and Lorretta Swit make it memorable, yet the genius behind this film is in its direction. Patrick Kelly fully understood the ins and outs of the ad world, the writing is pitch perfect too. This is a film for advertising geeks, but it will also entertain those outside the ad world too. Enjoyed it thoroughly!

This film is going to rub certain people the wrong way. Specifically Blacks, women, and gays might take some offense. On the other hand, "Beer" is no more offensive than some "Saturday Night Live" skits. The acting is very good, with Rip Torn, Loretta Switt, and David Alan Grier, especially memorable. Kenneth Mars, in a supporting role, steals every scene he's in. There is some slapstick, along with at least a bunch of dark humor. Three average guys become heroes to the average American beer drinker, while their commercials make Norbecker Beer sales surge. "Whip out your Norbecker". Recommended viewing..................... - MERK

I recently learned of the classic that is 'Beer'. The day I was born was when this movie was released in theatres...and up until about 2 months ago, I never even knew this movie existed. It's funny as hell. Rip Torn alone makes this movie worth watching. A nice little cast, an interesting story and loads of laughs await you when you watch 'Beer'.

Best part is when David Alan Grier tries to be 'black enough' to his son. It cracks me up every time I see that part. Forget about this review...go rent the movie or buy it on video. Well worth the money.

I did watch this load of watered down brew right through to the end.When you are stuck out on the Atlantic ocean on a ship far from civilisation anything is watchable for the sake of something to do other than work,eat and sleep.If you occasionally have your mind in neutral the whole experience is similar to the end product of the beer you could be drinking right now. Give it a miss and go to the pub instead and have a pint of the real stuff.