The Greatest Beer Run Ever

I saw this movie tonight, without having any idea what I was going to see as a part of a mystery movie screening. The movie even has a cold opening, no title no a tors nothing, so I was sitting through the whole thing until I found out what it's called. I had never heard that this movie existed, what it was about or seen a glimpse of a trailer. This is not a movie that can be marketed, and is likely going to bomb at the box office.

Which is a real pity, as this is one if the more effective anti war movies I have seen, and I'm familiar with most of the usual suspects in that genre. It's not going for the big heroic moments, it's showing what a bloody stupid idea war is, having the Vietnam war as a stand-in for all wars. That doesn't mean there are even more stupid ideas, like Chickie's beer run, and believe me when I say Zac Efron is entirely vanishing in that character. I expect him and Russel Crowe to see nominations next award season for their work here, but while Crowe is chewing every scene he is in, Efron gives a much more subtle performance. Showing more with his expressions than words, how he changes as the movie progresses.

In a time of big franchises, CGI extravaganzas and super heroes, it sounds odd to say this was a breath of fresh air. There is humor in the movie, but it doesn't subvert the message, I just hope more people are going to see this movie, and talk about this movie, making filmmakers aware that good storytelling is still in demand.

The Greatest Beer Run Ever is one of the best war films I have ever watched! Not just because this happened in a real life story, but how Chickie, (Zach Efron) got the wildest, craziest idea to go to Vietnam, just to bring some beers from America to his friends, who were in the middle of the war!

It's funny at first because of Chickie's character, but after he realized what's really going on in Vietnam, it gets heart-breaking.

The story will give you good lessons in life, so this is definitely a must watch movie!

Zach Efron definitely nailed it!

The music was indeed good too, by the way!

A very rewatchable movie.

I approached this film with an interest with the title and the premise. I got much more than that.

It was disappointing to see the brevity given to Bill Murray and Russell Crowe's characters. But Zach Efron really did deliver.

This is probably one of the best post-Vietnam War movies to date, delving into the nitty gritty of how it totally destroyed countless lives of families and humans in general, not to mention the environmental damage.

Apocalypse Now brought the horror of the war to the screen as in the napalming of large areas, but it is good to see the depiction of the results of the war on the human bystanders.

While not the "greatest" movie ever, I enjoyed watching it. Efron, despite the critics' opinions does a decent if not outstanding job as "Chickee". The supporting cast including Russell Crowe as a cynical war photographer are all very good. I was also impressed by Ruby Serkis as Chickee's anti-war sister. When Chickee reaches Vietnam, there is plenty of commentary on the bravery of the soldiers fighting there along with the foolish decisions of politicians who sent them there. Also stars Bill Murray as the "Colonel" who runs Chickee's neighborhood bar. Recommended - 7/10. Also, be sure to watch the follow-up conversation with Zac Efron, the real "Chickee" Donohue, and the director Peter Farrelly.

This movie really takes you for a wild ride of emotions. One moment you are laughing, and the next you are stunned and horrified. The imagery of war and what it's true colors were is what I loved most about the film. It sucks you in with such a wholesome plot that quickly turns dark and somber. It's a film that everyone should see! Its brutally honest representation of the horrors of war and the beauty of friendship and human connection was done spectacularly. It's stunning cinematography and musical score just add to this movies enjoyment.

It isn't the best film and could be tweaked slightly in a few areas, but overall a truly enjoyable and memorable watch.

Highly recommend to any war buffs!