Beer: a drink of choice for some and a catalyst for the craziest of nights for many. On a college campus like our own, beer is an ever-flowing staple, present in even the most mundane situations. A favorite and revered beverage, beer is the most recent topic to become the central subject of a summer comedy. Through the release of "Beerfest," an outrageous film littered with gratuitous crudeness and cheap shots of humor, audiences have the opportunity to bond through laughs over what some might consider America's official drink.
The latest endeavor from the comedic gems that make up the comedy group Broken Lizard (the masterminds behind cult favorites like "Super Troopers" and "Club Dread") "Beerfest" follows the hilariously drunken adventure of two brothers on a mission to restore their family name and prove their alcohol-fueled gumption.
One can't help but wonder how, in making a movie centered entirely on getting drunk, the actors managed to survive without succumbing to outrageous hangovers or alcohol poisoning. Did the cast actually drink through the entire filming?
"It was all beer, all the time," revealed Erik Stolhanske in an interview with the Badger Herald. The five stars of "Beerfest," all members of Broken Lizard, did drink throughout the making the film, although it was hard due to the multiple takes needed to complete the movie.
"Beerfest," in a nutshell, focuses on two brothers — Todd (Erik Stolhanske) and Jan Wolfhouse (Paul Soter) — who know how to drink. Growing up in a very German family, both men have clearly followed in the footsteps of their late grandfather, a champion drinker who held a pint in hand up to the very moment of his passing. When asked by their dear Great Gam Gam (Cloris Leachman, "Scary Movie 4") to sprinkle their grandfather's ashes on the grounds of Oktoberfest, the duo jump at the chance to attend the legendary, beer-glorifying festival and honor their grandfather's dear memory.
The two arrive in Germany and, following some mishaps in a beer tent that result in more than a few Bavarian waitresses' tops falling magically to the floor, the brothers are collected by their "guide" and taken to the place designated as their grandfather's final resting place. It is here they are introduced to the overwhelming glory that is Beerfest, Germany's best and best kept secret. A drinking Olympics of sorts, Beerfest is a gathering of the best of the best, with countries from all over the world represented by their most devoted drinkers.
Beerfest introduces Todd and Jan to their estranged German cousins, the Von Wolfhausens. Instead of being embraced by their distant relatives, the brothers are shocked to hear of their beloved Great Gam Gam's questionable past and accusations that their late grandfather stole the family's secret beer recipe. Unwilling to accept such slander, the Wolfhouses challenge their snooty German cousins to a drink-off. This results in a profound schooling, and, after their pathetic impromptu showing, the brothers leave Germany, tails between their legs, determined to return with a stronger, tougher team the following year.
It is here the film really picks up. To aid in their mission, Todd and Jan call on friends from the past — college buddies who are more than happy to join in the fight. This ragtag bunch of guys forms the team, and the heart of the movie becomes apparent. Joining Todd and Jan are Phil "Landfill" Krundle (Kevin Heffernan), a lovable bear of a man who can chug anyone under the table; Barry Badrinath (Jay Chandrasekhar), a gaming prodigy who has fallen on some decidedly hard times; and Charlie "Fink" Finklestein (Steve Lemme), a science geek knowledgeable in the physics of all things beer. Aided by Great Gam Gam and her caretaker with a dark side, Cherry (Mo'Nique, "Phat Girlz"), what follows is a series of comedic moments covering every aspect of the grueling Beerfest training that features an amalgamation of activities including quarters, beer pong and endless chug-offs. The hilarity comes to a head at the next year's Beerfest, when, after overcoming more than a few setbacks, America's dream team takes the underground festival by storm and conquers "Das Boot," the ultimate drinking challenge revered by Beerfest competitors the world over.
The film, according to Stolhanske, is basically just an attempt to make fun of high school and the drinking antics that traditionally accompany such an immature age bracket. But that's what makes the comedy of Broken Lizard so appealing — audiences can relate to the cheap shots, quick laughs and unbelievable antics. Formed when all five members met in college, the group originally operated under the name Chocolate Speedo — "because it melts in your mouth," quipped Kevin Heffernan. Jay Chandrasekhar was responsible for the impromptu name change, but after the success experienced by the team, the change wasn't a big deal.
When asked why their comedy is so successful, Heffernan explained that the group "just tries to make each other laugh," and the efficacy of a joke or idea is gauged by the facial expressions of the other members. The easygoing nature of the ensemble translates into a film that, while sometimes a little offensive and not in slightest bit deep, is funny, light and a two-hour experience that reminds at least some audience members of an average Friday night in college.
And the best part of the movie? The subject matter, because as Heffernan so accurately stated, "America loves beer."
2 out of 5
