The Men Who Stare at Goats

2009 comedy

Rating: 14/20

Plot: A journalist who isn't afraid to show off his lightsaber on film takes off for Iraq to hopefully become a war correspondent and impress his ex-wife. Apparently, she's not impressed with his aforementioned lightsaber. He's not having much luck until he runs into Lyn Cassady who claims to be a member of the New Earth Army, a U.S. army unit trained to battle the enemy with psychic powers--walking through walls, killing with the mind, using Jedi mind tricks. Journalist Bob Wilton decides to tag along, hoping to get the scoop of a lifetime.

I hadn't heard anything positive about this one unless you consider "quirky" or "Coen Bro. rip-off" compliments. However, it's got a lot going for it, and I enjoyed it despite its flaws. First, it's got a solid cast. You've got golden boy George Clooney. He's been in some bad movies, but his resume's got more cream than crap and I really like how he does comedy. Jeff Bridges is always delightful, and Kevin Spacey and Ewan McGregor do a good job with roles atypical for them. Heck, Ewan doesn't even display his junk in this one! Good supporting cast, too. The subject matter, about as ridiculous as a something based on true events can get, opens the door for loads of comedy, and although a lot of the jokes seem a little too easy, it'll appeal to those who like their comedy a little left of center. The pace is reckless and the story scattered and heavy on narrated flashbacks, but I thought this worked satirically, poking at fish in a barrel maybe but nevertheless cleverly dealing with the absurdities of war. I wish this would have been a bit more focused or more fully realized or even more intelligent, but if you mentally place it in that "dumb comedy" genre, it'll work for you. I chortled anyway.