I’m just going to write into the void… (And it may sound silly, because this blog is about Zac Efron so naturally it’s gonna sound bias… Neither do I think this will be read much..)
But if you haven’t seen it already, ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’ is a wonderful and sweet film, and a wonderful crowd pleaser.
Those are the exact words I can think of immediately to define it. I think the film critics really unfairly panned this movie because they missed the whole reason of the film (which is that, is based on a true story, but it’s one of those ‘it’s so crazy; you can’t believe it actually happened’) scenarios. Which seemed to be forgotten by critics and expectations were much different.
That being said — to start off with. This film is beautifully shot. And I mean it. The cinematography is so incredible that is memorising. The whole time I could not stop thinking about it and that tends to be in a rarity with films these days. Where you, an audience member can’t stop thinking mentally about the cinematography. The costume department and lighting team also did an equally beautiful job. As it comes together so perfectly within the scenes. Almost like actual artwork. Out of all the films this year, it would be fitting for an Oscar nomination in those departments because it’s that memorising. It’s just ‘wow.’
Zac’s performance as ‘Chickie’ was incredible as well. He starts off as a young goofy guy who’s light hearted. That’s how ‘Chickie’ friends see him as well (both in real life, and film portrayal in this movie.) By the end of this film though you will see how gradually ‘Chickie’ transforms as his perspective of war (and politics) shifts from his experience. Zac captures his emotion (and damage of war, mentally and emotionally) perfectly.
There is also this scene near the end (I won’t spoil) where the sound goes muted is absolutely heart breaking, you can feel the exact emotion, and tension almost like you’re there WITH him. The subtly of the scene too is really loud and really a brilliant way of the tell tale experience OF war. Really subtle but message telling scene.
Russell Crow was also great as always, despite being a minor character. Great performance from him.
So, basically — if you’re not a fan of Efron. You will be shocked. Because his performance is THAT impressive.
This movie is A GREAT movie. It got an unfair dog piling from the critics who visibly didn’t understand the concept of the film, or weren’t willing to give Efron a chance, or wanted a bone to pick (revenge for Green Book).
I highly recommend watching this movie with friends (I did it, and everyone who seemed off put by the idea of Zac Efron, were so shocked & thoroughly enjoyed it, as it’s an easy crowd pleaser.)
The story theme is highly revolved around friendship and despite light hearted (very dark) equally, which is a rare theme in films these days, and what is bonkers it’s a true story.
So if you haven’t seen it already! It’s a definite must watch. That will pull on your heart strings.
Don’t listen to the critics and give it a chance.