Reviewed by Daniel Rutledge
This film is an odd and highly entertaining mix of hippy claptrap, war, insanity, paranormal activity, LSD and the American way.
It follows Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor), a reporter in Iraq who might just have the story of a lifetime when he meets Lyn Cassady (George Clooney). Cassady claims to be a former member of the USA's New Earth Army, an elite unit which uses paranormal powers in their missions. The deadpan delivery of jokes around the New Earth Army’s powers is consistently hilarious, especially when Cassady explains the ‘Sparkly Eyes Technique’.
After starring in two of the holiday season’s best films – Fantastic Mr Fox and Up In The Air, Clooney delivers yet another dynamite performance. He’s just super duper cool.
Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey, along with Stephen Lang (the bad guy from Avatar), are also wonderfully entertaining and drew a great many laughs from the audience.
The weak link is Ewan McGregor. Even though he’s the narrator and main character, he’s clearly outshone by the older actors and ends up being a bit of a let-down. Even so, everyone else is hilarious and the story is fascinating.
The soundtrack is also great, featuring numbers from the likes of Supergrass, Boston, The Small Faces and Billy Squier.
The craziest thing about this crazy story is that much of it is based on fact. Seriously. Google it – laugh, and at the same time be very scared.
The Men Who Stare At Goats
:: Director:
Grant Heslov
:: Starring: Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, George Clooney, Kevin Spacey
:: Running Time: 93 mins
:: Rating: M - Violence, Offensive Language & Drug Use
:: Release Date: March 25, 2010
:: Trailer: Click here
