THE GREATEST BEER RUN EVER (2022) - Movie Review

Director: Peter Farrelly
Starring: Zac Efron, Russell Crowe, Jake Picking, Kyle Allen, Archie Renaux, Will Ropp, Bill Murray, Joe Adler
Genre: Adventure, Drama, War
Writer: Peter Farrelly, Brian Currie, Pete Jones
Runtime: 126 min
Rated: Rated R for language and some war violence
Buy This Movie: Apple TV+

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Synopsis:

To show support for his neighborhood friends serving in Vietnam, Chickie Donohue (Zac Efron) decides to do something totally outrageous: travel to the frontline by himself to bring the soldiers a little piece of home -- their favorite can of American beer. However, what started as a well-meaning journey quickly turns into the adventure of a lifetime as Chickie confronts the reality of this controversial war and his reunions with his childhood buddies thrust him into the complexities and responsibilities of adulthood. Based on an incredible true story, "The Greatest Beer Run Ever" is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale about friendship, loyalty and sacrifice.

Review:

With the Oscar-winning biographical drama "Green Book" under his belt, writer/director Peter Farrelly once again tackles a serious subject and injects a healthy dose of humor in "The Greatest Beer Run Ever". As ridiculous as the premise may sound, it really is a true story, chronicled in the book of the same name written by John "Chickie" Donohue and Joanna Molloy.

Zac Efron is great as Chickie in a performance that alongside "The Iron Claw" reminds us what a fine actor he has become. Chickie travels the distance not just from the US to Vietnam and back, but also from carefree and naive to a man who has witnessed the horrors of a pointless war.

The stranger-than-fiction story also showcases a strong supporting cast, of which Russell Crowe stands out as a grizzled warzone photographer who risks his life when all hell breaks loose in order for the people back home to know what war is really all about.

The mix of war drama and comedy is not an easy one to pull off, but Farrelly doest a great job for the most part, the humor smoothly integrated without ever feeling jarring or forced. There are also times when the tonal shifts are a bit heavy-handed and give the story an oversimplified vibe, but in the end it's well-meaning and earnest enough that it's hard to feel too harshly about it.

I used to think Farrelly's best work involved the raunchier side of comedy, but after seeing this year's "Ricky Stanicky", I would rather see him do more films like this. It's surprisingly warm and heartfelt, and offers a unique perspective on a war that has been depicted so many times before.

SCORE: 7.5/10