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.
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.