"The Greatest Beer Run Ever" Snapshot Review

As they sit in the bar and talk about the friends they just lost in the Vietnam War, John "Chickie" Donohue (Zac Efron) makes a nobly ridiculous declaration to his buddies: to support their friends at war by delivering beer to them in Vietnam. Undergoing a barely pieced together journey across the war torn country, Chickie's encounters with his friends begins to shed light on the harsh truths of combat. Lines are quickly blurred when members of the press, specifically Russell Crowe's Coates, begin to challenge Chickie's spoon-fed perspective on the war, as told by the American media and veteran bartender "The Colonel". A beer can not undue the trauma of  combat, but the support of an old friend can mean a hell of a lot.

This movie follows a clear cut transition from comedy to war drama and suffers from a mangled hybrid in its middle act. At times you wonder if the director was confused as to the kind of story he wanted to tell, but ultimately succumb to the idea that he could not commit to his serious commentary on war and politics. The movie has its moments, both funny and shocking, which do not always compliment each other, but are emotionally effective nonetheless. Efron does a good job in capturing his character's development and maturity, even if the strength of his accent fluctuates throughout. The story wants to challenge its audience to be open-minded in the same way Chickie is, but its comedic aspects keep those tones from being serious enough until the raw take on the final act.

It's a wonky tale with a confused tone that has something important to say. But unlike wartime satire, Inglorious Basterds, this film never finds a single voice for its narrative to better blend the comedic elements and political commentary. There are a few highlights in the comedy and characters, but the movie has some of its best moments when it captures the traumas of war. This is a fine enough watch for some entertainment but as a follow up for an Academy Award winning director, a lot more was expected.

Rating: 🍺 🍺. 5 / 5