Une bière au front

The title alone was enough to get me to come out and see this one. Although not what I was expecting with a title like that, but it was pretty amazing.

Mr. Zac Efron did a fine job telling James "Chickie" Donahue's true story of a man's strange plan to get up and do something by personally going to Vietnam to give all his boys from the block a beer.

It's starts out as a Frat boy style movie but the odd journey he goes though was special. Not sure how true the movie is, but I do know one man cannot carry that many cans of beer in a duffle bag, which I concentrated far too hard on.

It feels like Efron is trying to pull a Mark Walberg with this vehicle. Yes, Russel Crowe and Bill Murray are in this flick, but they are not pulling any weight here. Their parts could have been played by anyone and it was useless to have them in the film, cause it was all about Zac Efron finding the perfect part where he can use his boyish charm to still seem serious, but if he's hoping for an Oscar nod, I think Walberg, who could have killed this role 20 years ago, still has it down packed with Father Stu.

But either way, this movie was funny for those people who love movies featuring Northeasterners being as blue collar as possible while attempting to step out of their environment. I grew up close to Chickie's hood so I'm down.

I Really Enjoyed This - first it's just one heck of a great true story - but then, it's got a lot of heart - and it even kind of offers a different view of the War in Vietnam! It's got a good feel to it - it's got some great people in it - it's just a great movie! And again - an amazing true story! I'd honestly say the overall review numbers on this should be even higher - I'd say it's a solid 8 - but I gave it a 9 just to boost the average.

Terrific feel to it - and just some amazing real people! Kudos to everyone involved with bringing this story to the screen - it's a terrific film about a crazy idea!

If this wasn't based on a true story, no one could've come up with it. It is so obscure and should be so impossible that if someone had even attempted to imagine this plot up, it would be disregarded as far too unbelievable.

But, alas, it was real. And Chickie Donohue was real. And man, was this story worth telling!

I really enjoyed the acting and storytelling that took place in this movie. The chaotic humor and nature of Chickie is endearing and enough to keep a heavy subject light enough that you can watch it without getting too mentally or emotionally bogged down. But, it doesn't omit the reality of the situation that was the Vietnam war. It walks a good balance.

Zac Efron also does a really good job, in my opinion. He portrays the oblivious moments perfectly, the emotional moments with care, and everything in between is believable. Russell Crowe also does a superb job in his role. I loved their scenes together.

The main thing working against this movie for me was that it was a little too long for the subject at hand. It could've been about 20-25 minutes shorter by shaving some things out that felt like they drug things out. Even though I liked it, it lost my attention a couple of times. If you give this a 1 hr 40 minute run time instead of 2 hr 10 minutes, I think it feels more succinct and polished.

Well worth the watch and I would encourage almost anyone to check it out!

While not the "greatest" movie ever, I enjoyed watching it. Efron, despite the critics' opinions does a decent if not outstanding job as "Chickee". The supporting cast including Russell Crowe as a cynical war photographer are all very good. I was also impressed by Ruby Serkis as Chickee's anti-war sister. When Chickee reaches Vietnam, there is plenty of commentary on the bravery of the soldiers fighting there along with the foolish decisions of politicians who sent them there. Also stars Bill Murray as the "Colonel" who runs Chickee's neighborhood bar. Recommended - 7/10. Also, be sure to watch the follow-up conversation with Zac Efron, the real "Chickee" Donohue, and the director Peter Farrelly.

It's like an onion. Many layers working correctly together. The title may sound like a bad late night teen movie but quickly showed its many layers it to be much more a social commentary than a war movie. Excellent cast overall and the leads were particularly stellar. Based on real events and people, within a short real life time-frame of 1967 America and the Tet offensive, lies this very good film. Partially a heavy dose of beers and bros from Philly juxtaposed with 1960's America's unflinching coursework on a culture of war escalation like we did in 1945, says Bill Murray as The Colonel. Those sentiments juxtaposed with the Prophetic words from Viet Nam War Correspondent, Russell Crowe, "It isn't the truth that hurts us. It's the lying that hurts...". Well worth your time!