Apple TV+ War Comedy Brings Big Laughs And Infinite Charisma
Usually, true stories about the horrors of war include harrowing depictions of combat, the grueling experience of front-line training, and the PTSD that follows the hellish brutality of battle. While this is the case for your average war film, the 2022 Apple TV+ original movie The Greatest Beer Run Ever has a completely different approach, which will make you grin from ear-to-ear, and consider calling up your college buddies just for old time’s sake. The film, which packs more charisma in a single scene than most film’s see in their entire runtime, is currently streaming on Apple TV+, for those interested in checking it out.
A Peter Farrelly Premise
The Greatest Beer Run Ever was written and directed by comedy legend Peter Farrelly, based on the true story book of the same name by John Donohue and Joanna Molloy. Though Farrelly is perhaps best known as one half of the Farrelly Brothers duo, who helmed such turn-of-the-century comedy classics as Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary, and Osmosis Jones, the filmmaker’s recent solo work is quite impressive as well. In the last few years, Peter Farrelly has taken on directing duties for such iconic works as 2018 Best Picture winner Green Book, the AMC original series Lucky Hank, and the Amazon Prime original comedy Ricky Stanicky.
Brews For The Buds Facing Combat
Like the true story upon which the film is based, The Greatest Beer Run Ever centers on a Marine Corps veteran named John “Chickie” Donohue, who conjures up a harebrained scheme to lift the spirits of his brothers in arms serving in South Vietnam. After tragically learning that several of his friends and peers have died in combat, Chickie hops on a civilian ship to the Pacific with nothing but a duffle bag full of cheap beers and a dream. With the support of military police officer Tommy Collins and a local guide named Hieu, Chickie plots out a plan to deliver cold brews to his buds, even as they face down the violent attacks of the Viet Cong.
A War-Time Comedy Of Errors
If the plot of The Greatest Beer Run Ever sounds completely insane, that’s because it absolutely is, especially when you consider the fact that these events really took place. As the film continues building toward its finale, Chickie is mistaken for a special agent carrying out an internal investigation of the United States’ military conduct, leading to a delightful comedy of errors. The film also contains a brutal and unflinching look at the Vietnam war, with the benefit of hindsight and the fresh eyes of a retired serviceman.
Met With Polarizing Reception
The Greatest Beer Run Ever was received by critics with a great deal of controversy. Some viewers felt as though the film made a mockery of the lives lost in the Vietnam War, while others respected the honesty and heartfelt nature of the upbeat comedy. United States Secretary of State and Vietnam War veteran John Kerry even weighed in on the film, writing a glowing review as part of an op-ed for The Boston Globe.
Stream The Greatest Beer Run Ever On Apple TV+
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Personally, I think The Greatest Beer Run Ever is an absolute blast, with performances from the likes of Zac Efron, Russell Crowe, Archie Renaux, Jake Picking, and Bill Murray elevating the material into classic status. While it’s far from my favorite film of all time, I can wholeheartedly recommend that you check out The Greatest Beer Run Ever on Apple TV+ today.
