The Greatest Beer Run Ever

In 1968, John 'Chickie' Donohue, a former Marine Corps veteran, grapples with a sense of stagnation living in Inwood, New York City, with his family. His sister Christine constantly voices her strong opposition to the Vietnam War, creating a tense atmosphere as they navigate their lives amidst growing conflict.

During a somber gathering for the funeral of an old friend named Johnny, Chickie and his friends receive heartbreaking news that another comrade, Tommy, is missing in action. This revelation deeply resonates with the group, instigating a sense of urgency to confront the realities of war.

Motivated by the recent tragedies, Chickie devises an audacious plan to visit South Vietnam, determined to uplift the spirits of his fellow servicemen. He packs a duffle bag filled with Pabst Blue Ribbon beer and signs on to a ship headed for Saigon.

Upon arriving in Saigon, Chickie meets Tommy Collins, a no-nonsense military police officer who is wary of Chickie's reckless plan. Despite his skepticism, Collins agrees to help Chickie navigate the dangerous landscape of Vietnam as they collaborate on connecting with fellow soldiers.

Chickie and Collins receive assistance from Hieu, a local with vital knowledge of the area. Together, they set out on a journey to reach American soldiers, stopping at the Caravelle Hotel where Chickie shares his anti-war sentiments with reporters.

Chickie hitches a ride on a military caravan to Bien Hoa Air Base, eventually getting airlifted to Danang Air Base. He then pursues the goal of finding his friend Rick Duggan, who is stationed with the 1st Cavalry Division.

Upon locating Duggan at LZ Jane, Chickie suddenly finds himself in the midst of chaos as enemy fire erupts around them. In a frantic bid for safety, he seeks cover, feeling the harsh realities of war first-hand.

As night falls, Chickie distributes beers to the weary servicemen, allowing a brief respite from the horrors surrounding them. However, the mood darkens as Duggan conveys tragic news about their friend Reynolds, who has been killed in action.

After bidding farewell to Duggan, Chickie boards a helicopter, where he is trapped with two CIA agents who brutally interrogate a helpless prisoner. This harrowing experience further cements the harsh realities of the conflicts occurring around him.

As Chickie travels towards Pleiku Air Base, he encounters a deadly ambush, prompting him to dive into the jungle to escape capture. This close call with danger highlights the unpredictability and peril that defining his journey.

After evading his pursuers, Chickie serendipitously reunites with an old friend, Kevin 'Looney' McLoone, who reluctantly agrees to help him reach Pleiku. As they soar into the night sky, Chickie shares a celebratory beer with McLoone, momentarily relieved from the chaos.

Once back in Saigon, Chickie learns that his ship has departed early due to an incoming attack, leaving him stranded. Hieu helps him quickly get to the U.S. Embassy, where chaos erupts just as the Viet Cong launches the surprise Tet Offensive.

In the middle of the storm of violence, Chickie witnesses the tragic death of Hieu during the assault on the embassy. This tragic event has a profound impact on him, solidifying the harsh realities and the heavy prices paid during war.

The next day, with the chaos subsiding, Chickie journeys with Coates to survey the remnants of destruction at the embassy. It becomes apparent that the military's narrative seeks to conceal the truth, leading Chickie to question the integrity of the war efforts.

Upon returning home from Vietnam, Chickie's perspective on the war is drastically altered. He reflects on the friendships formed amidst conflict as he navigates tributes to fallen soldiers, sharing his last beer with Christine, emphasizing the enduring impact of his experiences.