The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022) User Reviews

Ignore the title.

[christianemden · 8/10 · 27 September 2022]

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.

A Sad Reminder

[apteryx05-840-599163 · 8/10 · 1 October 2022]

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.

Definitely worth watching - ignore the critics

[dlmiley · 7/10 · 2 October 2022]

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.

Indeed, The Greatest Beer Run Ever!

[subxerogravity · 7/10 · 25 September 2022]

The title alone was enough to get me to come out and see this one. Although not what I was expecting with a title like that, but it was pretty amazing.

Mr. Zac Efron did a fine job telling James "Chickie" Donahue's true story of a man's strange plan to get up and do something by personally going to Vietnam to give all his boys from the block a beer.

It's starts out as a Frat boy style movie but the odd journey he goes though was special. Not sure how true the movie is, but I do know one man cannot carry that many cans of beer in a duffle bag, which I concentrated far too hard on.

It feels like Efron is trying to pull a Mark Walberg with this vehicle. Yes, Russel Crowe and Bill Murray are in this flick, but they are not pulling any weight here. Their parts could have been played by anyone and it was useless to have them in the film, cause it was all about Zac Efron finding the perfect part where he can use his boyish charm to still seem serious, but if he's hoping for an Oscar nod, I think Walberg, who could have killed this role 20 years ago, still has it down packed with Father Stu.

But either way, this movie was funny for those people who love movies featuring Northeasterners being as blue collar as possible while attempting to step out of their environment. I grew up close to Chickie's hood so I'm down.

Good story, so-so movie

[ztigr · 6/10 · 2 October 2022]

Its a really good story. The movie is just so-so and I think really misfired on some poignant moments. I am talking about the journey this guy took and those incidents that left a mark. Not horrors of war type moments, but those moments of realization that his assumptions were wrong. I just dont think Farrelly has the feel for telling that type of story.

The message is of course one we have seen over and over, and told much better in other films. You can mix humor and drama very well in a story, its done all the time. Farelly however seems to dull down the humor and reign in the drama so that neither have any particularly satisfying moments. I mean come on, this guy went to Vietnam during the war to pass out beer. You want to know more about that, but this movie doesnt tell that story well.

beer man with a twist

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 23 September 2022]

Greetings again from the darkness. "Can I buy you a drink?" A simple phrase that can have a variety of meanings. In 1967, John "Chickie" Donohue did more than buy his buddies a drink. He hand-delivered beer after tracking them down at their military posts during the Vietnam War. Writer-director Peter Farrelly (an Oscar winner for GREEN BOOK, 2018) and co-writers Brian Hayes Currie (also an Oscar winner GREEN BOOK) and Pete Jones (HALL PASS, 2011) tell the story of Chickie's dubious trip to the front lines. His mission was to show the neighborhood boys that folks back home care, and the results proved eye-opening.

Zac Efron plays Chickie Donohue, a Merchant Marine from the Inwood neighborhood of New York City. Chickie is a hard-drinking slacker and kind of a joke to his family and friends. He doesn't really take life seriously and has no perceivable ambition. He is, however, a staunch defender of his country and the military personnel fighting a war that no one seems to be able to define. Especially 'the boys' from the neighborhood ... too many who have died for the cause. One typically "full of hot air" evening at the local tavern where "The Colonel" (Bill Murray) tends bars, hones patriotism, and honors those who (like him) have served in war, Chickie blurts out his intention to head to Vietnam and hand-deliver a beer to each of his buddies stationed there. His drinking cohorts support his idea, yet fully believe this is simply the next thing that Chickie will never follow through on.

To everyone's surprise, and despite pleas from his anti-war sister (played by Andy Serkis' daughter Ruby Ashbourne Serkis), Chickie loads up a duffel bag with dozens of cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon and heads out. That seems to be the extent of his plan because he basically has to charm and 'luck' his way through each progressive stop once he has secured a spot on a container ship headed that way. In the film, he secures a 72-hour leave, but in real life, as documented in the memoir written by John "Chick" Donohue and JT Molloy, his journey took almost 8 weeks.

The film plays a bit like a road trip, where Chickie interacts with multiple characters along the way. Some in the military mistake him for undercover CIA, which he uses to his advantage. At a Saigon bar, Chickie debates with war correspondents, including a photojournalist played by Oscar winner Russell Crowe. Chickie questions why they report "only the bad stuff", which is tough on morale back home, while the reporters counter with the defense of only telling the truth. A later part of Chickie's journey finds him in the middle of the Tet Offensive, running for his life with Crowe's character.

Director Farrelly, long celebrated as an iconic comedic filmmaker with his brother Peter, doesn't break any new ground here, but the remarkable true story keeps us watching. In fact, it feels a bit like a war movie from the 1950s ... mostly light, with a well-meaning, charming lead actor with limited range. Songs from the era are included, and the message seems to be that politicians don't always tell the truth (an obvious fact that we live with every day). Chickie's personal post-trip pledge of 'less drinking, more thinking' would be a good direction for many, and Farrelly includes a modern-day photo of Chickie and the boys from the neighborhood over the closing credits. A nice touch.

AppleTV+ on September 23, 2022.

You have to wait it out

[AfricanBro · 6/10 · 27 September 2022]

I watched this as Monday Mystery Movie at my theatre and I think some people were expecting(hoping) for Amsterdam so when this started playing they sighed in disappointment. Bit harsh.

There's a lot of funny bits spread throughout the movie especially in the beginning. However, unless the Vietnam war means something to you, it's really not as moving in the beginning, it starts with several emotional scenes that assume you already care for the characters or the Vietnamese war itself(as an African, I didn't so much). Also, the acting starts out badly, especially from the sister, and after 'Gold' I thought Zac Efron was picking roles to show his acting abilities beyond just the "pretty boy" roles. For the first hour or so I was really just waiting for whenever the action starts, because it felt like a road trip through a war zone without really understanding the gravity of war as it's seen through Chickie's perspective.

Russell Crowe was by far the stand out in his role and dominated every scene he was in. It's a long movie so as it progresses you start to get more invested in it, not just the beer run but the war; but because it's so long it's almost too little too late, emphasis on almost.

The second half of the movie is much better if you wait it out, with huge intendment on politicians lying to keep their war in good public light. It's however not as moving and generic at the start. Being based on a true story is really what helps the message hold it's weight for the most part, and Efron is probably what's going to attract a lot of viewers.

It could've been better, still a decent movie in the end it just takes too long to find it's stride so it rewards those who wait. Third act of the movie is probably 8/10 for me, much much better towards the end so that might leave you with a more flattering impression than it deserves.

Mixed feelings but overall good and worth the watch

[bpb99 · 7/10 · 3 October 2022]

Well if you're looking to watch this because you just think its a great or interesting story that needed to be told - you're probably barking up the wrong tree.

I felt as if this story was straight up dumb, mostly forgettable and overall just not that important that it's worth telling in an expensive movie.. Even if everything they portrayed is 100% accurate (can't even be bothered to check) it still is largely irrelevant and had no effect on history.. It's a bit of a 'who cares?' sort of story.

If you remove the actual storyline of the movie being about a 'beer run' and look at it more in a critical manner of the vietnam war then it becomes a more compelling movie.

One thing I think they did an excellent job of is portraying the similarity/parallels between what Americans did in Vietnam and what present day Russians are doing in Ukraine. The similarities were always there - this movie just did an excellent job of portraying it on a personal level.

Americans invaded a small little nation out of the fear that Russians would soon be on their doorstep.. Sound familiar in an opposite context? The geography may be vastly different but the context (and insanity) is identical. This 'phenomenon' was referred to as the 'domino effect'. People believed it wholeheartedly..

The parallels extended all the way down through into the brain washed citizens.. You may see Russians in those homemade public interviews and think 'how did they get so brainwashed?' while the vast majority of Americans don't recognize their country acted the same way for 50+ years.. This was really the environment in america back then.. For every long haired peace loving hippy that modern times loves to tell us about - there were multiple facist brainwashed Americans that would call you a traitor if you didn't follow the government line on the war.

It did seem like it was an intentional part of the scripting, the line that most convinced me was when the sister says something along the lines of 'the government won't even call it a war'. That was the only area that seemed a little obvious in its intention to relate the two. I can't say if that is a realistic talking point of the Vietnam war or not, it just felt like it was intentionally placed in order to relate the two for those that could not figure it out.

I'm sure a lot of americans will watch this and either dissagree with the notion that A) the war was wrong B) the war was not shunned by all, everyone was a hippy back then or C) just see it as a movie about a beer run - but hey not everyone can understand the same things..

The vast majority (nearly all) Americans talk about the Vietnam war in a proud and noble sort of way - particularly about the veterans. I would guess the majority have no clue they even lost the war.. I have never heard 'My dad was a Vietnam veteran' be stated in a negative way.. They'll never follow that up with 'and shot up a village of civilians' or 'committed war crimes with agent orange and napalm'. It's always a talking point of pride and expected admiration. It's brought up - still to this day - as a sign of patriotism to have fought in that war..

For those that still do not understand or do not believe - go watch Peter Davis's 'Hearts and Minds'. The most honest and realistic documentary made about the Vietnam war that I've ever seen. May give a good context behind why this movie was so well told.

I Really Enjoyed This!

[Maxax777 · 9/10 · 1 October 2022]

I Really Enjoyed This - first it's just one heck of a great true story - but then, it's got a lot of heart - and it even kind of offers a different view of the War in Vietnam! It's got a good feel to it - it's got some great people in it - it's just a great movie! And again - an amazing true story! I'd honestly say the overall review numbers on this should be even higher - I'd say it's a solid 8 - but I gave it a 9 just to boost the average.

Terrific feel to it - and just some amazing real people! Kudos to everyone involved with bringing this story to the screen - it's a terrific film about a crazy idea!

Losing The Beer Goggles In Vietnam

[AudioFileZ · 7/10 · 11 October 2022]

A beer run where one takes the beer instead of retrieving it is a bit different. A civilian making that run from NYC to Vietnam at the point of major escalation is beyond absurd. Yet it happened when Merchant Marine James "Chickee" O'Danahue decides to show the support of "the neighborhood" to the sons on the front lines. He used his status to hop a merchant ship landing in Saigon with a couple cases of brew intending to show love and support to his friends fighting a war he really miscalculated.

If fact wasn't often stranger than fiction this would just be a solid story about a somewhat delusional man. It's more though and the fact of being based on truth elevates everything. This story is told very topical with just the right emphasis on politics and humanity. It touches enough on the horror and the danger, but it evolves as the character Chickee realizes there's a big difference in what we believed we fighting for and what was actually going on. There's a subtle yet palpable poignancy hovering large.

I would imagine it requires a deft touch to bring this story to the screen while focusing on the absurd nature of it. The human factor blooms like a flower with one man's well-intentioned, but misguided insane idea to just show up with some beers for his pals. Peter Farrelly, best known for his comedic movies, does this story with skill and finesse. Comedy is used sparingly and appropriately. Well done. Also Zac Efron gives a great performance that will surprise. The limited use of Billy Murray and Russell Crowe, while economical, adds just the right turns. I think the movie truly lives up to the whisical title and much more. Don't miss it.

It's like an onion.

[drohmark · 8/10 · 30 September 2022]

It's like an onion. Many layers working correctly together. The title may sound like a bad late night teen movie but quickly showed its many layers it to be much more a social commentary than a war movie. Excellent cast overall and the leads were particularly stellar. Based on real events and people, within a short real life time-frame of 1967 America and the Tet offensive, lies this very good film. Partially a heavy dose of beers and bros from Philly juxtaposed with 1960's America's unflinching coursework on a culture of war escalation like we did in 1945, says Bill Murray as The Colonel. Those sentiments juxtaposed with the Prophetic words from Viet Nam War Correspondent, Russell Crowe, "It isn't the truth that hurts us. It's the lying that hurts...". Well worth your time!

Vietnam War movie with a twist

[skarlsen-51719 · 7/10 · 30 September 2022]

Zac Efron does a good job portraying John "Chickie" Donohue and his journey delivering beer to several enlisted men from his neighbourhood who were deployed in Vietnam. The idea of doing such a thing and that the movie is based on a true story, was what brought me into watching the movie. I have to say that it delivered a good balance between the seriousness of war and the sombre aspects of it, to the comedic madness of risking one's life running across a battlefield to share cans of beer.

Overall I enjoyed the movie and would recommend it as I could easily see myself seeing it again. My score is around 7.5/10 with reasons for not scoring it higher being the introduction feeling a tad slow and characters that could use slightly more depth, however this improves further along the story. Have to include the war-photographer Coates played by Russell Crowe and his observations and comments during the dialogue with Chickie as one of the better scenes/moments of the film.

The Greatest Beer Run Ever

[henry8-3 · 5/10 · 25 February 2023]

Truish story with Zac Efron as Chickie Donahue, a naive, flag waving, all American boy who decides to take beers over to his buddies in Vietnam, hideously unaware of the reality of the situation who learns some crucial and difficult lessons.

Certainly the messages and lessons learnt are pummelled home with a sledge hammer and in that respect we've seen much of the same stuff before and better. That said, this sort of road movie within Vietnam is well crafted, particularly in the scenes set towards the end of the film in Saigon with Russell Crowe along, doing a familiar turn as the war correspondent whose seen it all, to show Efron what's really going on. Efron in fact is actually pretty good in all this moving from patriotic idiot to more worldly wise, eventually returning home to impart his new found wisdom. Great soundtrack.

Surprisingly moving

[alistairmclean81 · 7/10 · 5 October 2022]

This is a Surprisingly moving movie. I expected it to be a lads movie or something thereabouts, but it's really a journey of awareness, courage and heart.

I thought everything about this movie was well made. The portrayal of Vietnam and the war there is hard hitting, which I didn't expect. It's really an excellent point of view from a civilian who was pro war, then saw the atrocities and lies and became aware of the truth, just like every war. This film highlights the lies and truth of the Vietnam war but it also focussed on how heartfelt and loyal the main character is. It's a really beautiful portrayal of one man and his courage.

Another Apple frother.

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 6/10 · 15 May 2023]

Maybe Apple made the mistake hiring Farrelly to direct and co-write this film, because it was clearly too much for him to handle. It did start off promising, with a fluid, engaging and entertaining tone, but then all of a sudden after the first act, it kept changing gears, and became disjointed and unbalanced, with what seemed like a bunch of screenplays that had been through the shredder, randomly taped together to be the remaining story for the final two acts. It's kinda like that one drunk friend that stumbles from one pub to another, with little recall of the events the next morning. Or ordering a draft, and it's two-thirds foam.

Even the charismatic performance of Efron couldn't save the flat-footed, unbalanced long and dragged out 126 min runtime. It was fun to see Bill Murray, and Crowe did his best with the little screen time he had, but none of that was enough for me to recommend this film. As astonishing and amazing this true story was, this film did it no justice. I feel a documentary-type story would've been better suited.

Turned out good after the crap in the beginning.

[lojitsu · 7/10 · 27 September 2022]

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "The Greatest Beer Run Ever" (R - 2022 - Theater) Genre: Comedy/War

My Score: 7.4 Cast=8 Acting=8 Plot=3 Ending=7 Story=9 Humor=7 Chemistry=8 Script=8 War=9 Intense=7

A man's story of leaving New York in 1967 to bring beer to his childhood buddies in the Army while they are fighting in Vietnam.

"You think I have a short fuse...you just don't know when you lit the match." I have been seeing this trailer for weeks and I thought this movie was going to be stupid. Turns out i was right...in the beginning. This turned out to be a good movie...showing a side of the Vietnam war that I hadn't seen in movies before. I bought tickets for this screening before it came out this Friday and I'm glad I did or I would never have seen it. It is worth a watch on streaming or discount movie night...you can't fix stupid but you can get passed it if you're willing.

Surprisingly really good movie

[godwrsf · 6 October 2022]

I went into this movie a skeptic and was thoroughly surprised. I enjoyed this movie very much and would highly recommend taking the time to watch it. Aside from this movie being the most unbelievably true story, it was remarkable and well portrayed. Also, I never took Zac Efron as a serious actor until now. Well done Zac. I myself have experienced the negative side of war and it correctly protrayed the horrors, brotherhood, hope, and crazyness of war. I was emotional and filled with a enormous amount of promise that films like this will provide insight and prevent future bad decisions from our country sending our son's to war. I took the time to read other reviews, especially from those who are considered "professional" critics and I just don't understand their reasoning.

The Greatest Beer Run Ever

[M0n0_bogdan · 7/10 · 6 March 2023]

I liked this movie. It's the kind they made in the past but also clearly elevated...a bit. It's not only a really good and funny comedy in the first half, but also a (anti-)war movie that hits the right notes in the second half. Of course, it's made by Peter Farrelly, after all.

It's also a movie my dad would like very much, so it's a good thing it's on a streaming service. But it's also very good it's a dad movie. These are feel good movies most of time that tackle superficial political themes...so yeah, a war movie about a dude that travels 12.000 nautical miles to bring beer to his neighbourhood buddies is right on that vein.

Zach Efron was simply great playing the focused minded Chickie (I mean, just by his name you can characterise him) with a mission on his mind and while on his adventure we also find tubby Russell Crowe, who is playing a war correspondent, that kinda vibes with his story and follows him along. He, by the way, steals every scene he is in. I actually wanted to see all the pictures he took of Chickie, but sadly, I was bamboozled...ah well.

I would rewatch this at some point.

Could have been great...

[matt-24001 · 6/10 · 19 August 2023]

I read about this several years ago and was excited to see it played out on the 'big screen.' The movie had so much potential, but the 'overcooked' NY accents, poor set design, and overall bad acting ruined it for me.

I will say that Zac Efron did his best to pull this off and his acting certainly outshined everyone else, but the rest of the cast (including Crowe) was subpar and just plain silly at times. Has Crowe just totally given up? Anyway, there are absurd moments/scenes that don't seem to make practical sense (I mention this because it's a true story and scenes were far too dramatized) and then there are sudden graphic violence moments thrown in for shock value and possibly keep people awake. The overdone, long, and worn out political dialogue about how unnecessary the Vietnam War was pointless as well. It's 2023, we all know how futile that war was and how it truly devastated and a region and the baby boomer generation as a whole. It's been played out for decades now in books and on the big screen.

If you're looking for a movie to pass time and for some general entertainment, watch it but don't overthink it. The story itself is pretty incredible, but the execution of this screenplay and the atrocious acting overshadow it.

A fun but eye-opening look at the Vietnam war

[jouleZ · 8/10 · 30 September 2022]

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.

Underrated for mine...

[jackreinbott · 7/10 · 28 December 2022]

I actually really enjoyed this movie. It was funny, touching, and had some good things to say. Russell Crowe gives easily one of his best performances in recent years, and The Greatest Beer Run Ever marks a welcome return to form for him.

Sure... it is no where near the Oscar worthy movie that it could have been, but what you get is far better than reviews let off. Zac Efron was a pretty perfect choice for this one, and you can tell he gives it 100% for the whole movie. The story, while unbelievable at times, is never dull, and this movie keeps you interested for the whole time. I would certainly recommend a viewing because, although it might be forgettable, it truly is the Greatest Beer Run Ever...

Hauntingly beautiful

[That_Movie_Watcher · 8/10 · 26 September 2022]

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!

Way better than I thought it would be

[Mcduff3601 · 6/10 · 28 August 2023]

I am a war movie buff and really like things around the Vietnam war. So when I saw a trailer for this I was like MOKAY!

I will say the trailer made is seem like there would be more action but it ended up being fine. Zac Efron puts in a great performance. He plays a guy that decides to support his buddies in Vietnam and bring them some beer. It's all about his journey and some of the crazy stuff he sees and deals with.

There is some light moments and just the premise seems kooky (which apparently is a true story). But the movie also shows some dark stuff which by the end you can feel the weight the trip has put on the main character.

I wouldn't say this it a comedy or an action, kind of a drama with some of that other stuff sprinkled in. Would recommend as a drama with the Vietnam war as a backdrop.

Doesn't Do Chickie Donohue's Story or the War Justice

[KinoBuff2021 · 4/10 · 5 June 2023]

The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022) is mostly disappointing. The film has a slow start and begins to peak halfway through but loses the energy and meanders until the end.

I had not heard of John "Chickie" Donohue's story until this film, but it sounds like such a tall tale that there's no way it could be true. And yet it is. Unfortunately this film seems less adventurous as never ventures to far to be a comedy, drama, or war related film.

The film just can't find any humor or make any noble statement on the Vietnam War. Maybe its because the war itself remained blurry and hard to understand. People just didn't know how to think and this film is kind of like that. But that's probably not what this film was going for.

I think this film could've been a lot better if it just embraced being a comedy film with a few dramatic moments to bring the narrative together. This film just couldn't bring it all together.

Not really worth a watch. Read about Chickie and probably avoid this film.

The meaningful Beer Run Ever

[li0904426 · 6/10 · 3 June 2023]

The movie "The Greatest Beer Run Ever" is loosely based on the true events of a New Yorker who decides to pay homage to his neighborhood friends who went to fight in the Vietnam War with cans of beer during the 60's.

The movie concentrates more on the fabrication of war by politicians using false pretenses of communist invasion, and patriotism but with pure intention of imperialism.

For some reason, lead actor Zac Efron seems out of place, poorly cast in the role of the real Chickie Donohue. It's not his fault but Zac Efron seems too straight for the role more suitable to Jack Black or Jim Carrey.