The Men Who Stare At Goats

The Men Who Stare at Goats was released in Canada on September 11, 2009 at the Toronto International Film Festival. With a full cast of household names, and a title to grab the attention of any expectations were high. Names of note were George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey. All four lads ably demonstrated their skill in portraying the complete goofball.

The story... now what does one say about this story? McGregor is a reporter, recently dumped by his wife and having a point to prove, and looking for the big story in Iraq. He meets Clooney and gradually the others, who are all part of a special unit in the US Army specializing in the paranormal. The rest is mirky, and not really essential for you to know. The phrase that comes to mind is "Coen Brothers Wannabe." It has its moments, and at times I laughed out loud at the "almost there" satire, but mostly it is a little too contrived.

Initially I had imagined this moving having screenplay potential. I will be surprised if the pool is weak enough to get a nomination in this category. The acting is good. Clooney, in particular, nails it. Though his role may be a little too reminiscent of Burn After Reading, a Coen flick that makes Goats look like a college assignment. A lot of movies remain to be seen, but I'll be surprised if this performance warrants a nod. Not much else to mention about this one.

The Men Who Stare at Goats was definitely not all I hoped for, but still worth the watch.