Smart and funny, absurd and a bit self-conscious but as soon as I had time to think, I thought. The cast is fun but reeks of pre-sales needs. The names in the cast propels you to expectation that are going to let you down no matter how you put it. George Clooney is great fun but try, just try to imagine a great actor you never heard of in that part. I couldn't separate the character from the actor not for a second. So I saw Clooney being funny and that does something to the film that keeps its real intentions at arms length because the star-actor gets in the way. I have a feeling however that time will be kind to this film. Audiences will be able to see it again in years to come with more objectivity and appreciate it much more.
314 Reviews
Quirky Premise, Clunky Execution
pete-wiley10 November 2009
Watching Grant Heslov's "The Men Who Stare at Goats" was tantamount to staring at a stick of dynamite - for 93 minutes - that never exploded. All the critical mass of a quirky, eccentric comedy (i.e., an able cast, a political pseudo-relevance) seemed to be undercut by clunky writing, tacky 'Watch people fall down, get run over, and laugh' stunts, and a painfully disjointed plot which can barely be deemed a plot at all. Rather, the movie featured more of a direction: an ill-defined, ill-conceived mission toward which two characters (Clooney's Lyn Cassady and McGregor's Bob Wilton) floated. The problem with the loose plot development, in this case, is that Clooney's chemistry with McGregor feels forced and their connection in the film equally contrived. The film was peppered with flashback (to which Bridges and Spacey owe the majority of their on-screen time) which jettisoned any chance the viewer had with feeling an investment toward the central story or its characters. In fact, the film stumbles from character to character so often that the viewer is caught juggling them under the central story arc -- and we never really care about most of them in the first place.
"The Men Who Stare at Goats" allows for some laughs and some admirable situational ironies. But don't expect the brilliance and subtlety of "The Big Lebowski" or "American Beauty."
"The Men Who Stare at Goats" allows for some laughs and some admirable situational ironies. But don't expect the brilliance and subtlety of "The Big Lebowski" or "American Beauty."
A good film, but not without its flaws
Gareth_Pontin7 November 2009
Well, I must say that I was looking forward to this movie - after reading the cast list and hearing a brief overview of the plot I felt that it had good potential. And whoever made the trailer did a very good job of making me want to see it.
Unfortunately, there seemed to me to be a certain amount of confusion about the film - were the directors entirely sure what type of film they were making? There are elements of comedy, satire, drama, action... but without having enough of each of these things to really give the movie a proper feel or direction. It veers close to being funny... and then veers off. It comes close to satirising American military tactics... and then goes off in another direction. I felt that a little more focus was needed overall to bring the film together.
In terms of acting, I think that generally the actors can be pleased with their work - I don't remember any specific cases of over or underacting, and the characters were about as believable as they could be in a film like this. As far as the comedy goes - this film was primarily marketed as a comedy - there are some genuinely funny moments! Overall, however, I felt that some bits needed to be trimmed down - the constant Jedi references were funny the first time but quickly wear thin.
The plot also needed a little bit of work: it started off with a promising storyline, and good editing I might add, but seemed to lose its way towards the end. It seemed as if the film-makers didn't really know where to go next. There were a few scenes that really didn't need to be included either - Robert Patrick's contribution to the film really added nothing, and could easily be removed. It was entirely forgettable and was simply a device to get the characters to the next place that they needed to be.
Overall I'd say this this is a fairly good film, certainly worth seeing. As for buying the DVD, that I'm not so sure about. If you're looking for a way to spend and hour and a half of your evening, while there are better films to see than this there are also considerably worse ones.
Unfortunately, there seemed to me to be a certain amount of confusion about the film - were the directors entirely sure what type of film they were making? There are elements of comedy, satire, drama, action... but without having enough of each of these things to really give the movie a proper feel or direction. It veers close to being funny... and then veers off. It comes close to satirising American military tactics... and then goes off in another direction. I felt that a little more focus was needed overall to bring the film together.
In terms of acting, I think that generally the actors can be pleased with their work - I don't remember any specific cases of over or underacting, and the characters were about as believable as they could be in a film like this. As far as the comedy goes - this film was primarily marketed as a comedy - there are some genuinely funny moments! Overall, however, I felt that some bits needed to be trimmed down - the constant Jedi references were funny the first time but quickly wear thin.
The plot also needed a little bit of work: it started off with a promising storyline, and good editing I might add, but seemed to lose its way towards the end. It seemed as if the film-makers didn't really know where to go next. There were a few scenes that really didn't need to be included either - Robert Patrick's contribution to the film really added nothing, and could easily be removed. It was entirely forgettable and was simply a device to get the characters to the next place that they needed to be.
Overall I'd say this this is a fairly good film, certainly worth seeing. As for buying the DVD, that I'm not so sure about. If you're looking for a way to spend and hour and a half of your evening, while there are better films to see than this there are also considerably worse ones.
Strays Too Far From the More Interesting Source Material
deepfrieddodo14 May 2021
Taking the main absurdities from Ronson's book based on true events and adding a daft storyline to link it into some sort of flow, The Men Who Stare At Goats is decent and vaguely funny but misses serious potential. The draw to the book is that everything written is true (at least in certain people's eyes), whereas the film is mostly fictional, with true examples sprinkled in. Reading the information is far more entertaining and unbelievable than what is presented on screen. Although it wouldn't have been as traditional in cinematic values, following closer to the source material would have provided a more interesting film. Examples such as Barney the Purple Dinosaur torture are a lot more powerful than what is presented, and the film lacks any real impact. Acting is fine by all, a good cast and nothing can be faulted outside of the screenplay, which is still half-decent because of the absurdity involved, but overall it's quite lacklustre.
A great way to spend a lazy afternoon with a couple of mates
Doctor_Mongoose13 November 2009
I'm going to say its definitely up there in the top few films I've seen at the cinema this year. It has been criticised for lacking more biting criticism of the US government, but I think people who are saying that are missing the point. It does have a fair bit to say about how stupid the US Military can be and how they like to blow money on obviously pointless ventures, but there is a whole other side to it.
I thought that the film was more about the human spirit and how that if you want to make a difference and want to do something you've got to really go for it no matter how stupid the aim. Obviously the idea of trying to be a psychic spy is unattainable and may sound ludicrous, but so may be the notion of trying to create world peace and help bring different people together over a united cause. The film was more about how these drifters and lost souls managed to find something that they found worthy of pursuing and really devoted themselves to it, and I think this message is more admirable than any side-criticism of the USA.
The film plays out mainly as a buddy movie with Geogre Clooney, who is doing his usual comic act very well, and Ewan McGregor as they head around Iraq not really knowing what they are looking for and getting into loads of hilarious antics along the way. I don't think I've laughed so much in the cinema this year, and the whole audience was laughing along as well.
I thought the structure was hardly groundbreaking, but done really well. Flashbacks involving Jeff Bridges and Clooney help add comic relief during some of the straighter scenes in the film and also at times are used to rack up the tension and reveal interesting insights. It is of course up to your interpretation if the flashbacks are 100% real, because they are told from the point of view of Ewan McGregor, recounting stories that were told to him by Clooney. This sorts out another common criticism that the film is extremely unrealistic, but there are some key scenes saying that Clooney might not be telling the whole truth that I feel have been overlooked.
It isn't going to be Oscar-fare or the greatest thing you'll ever see but with a good cast and a lot of laughs there isn't really going to be a much better way of spending a lazy Saturday afternoon with some popcorn and a buddy or two.
I thought that the film was more about the human spirit and how that if you want to make a difference and want to do something you've got to really go for it no matter how stupid the aim. Obviously the idea of trying to be a psychic spy is unattainable and may sound ludicrous, but so may be the notion of trying to create world peace and help bring different people together over a united cause. The film was more about how these drifters and lost souls managed to find something that they found worthy of pursuing and really devoted themselves to it, and I think this message is more admirable than any side-criticism of the USA.
The film plays out mainly as a buddy movie with Geogre Clooney, who is doing his usual comic act very well, and Ewan McGregor as they head around Iraq not really knowing what they are looking for and getting into loads of hilarious antics along the way. I don't think I've laughed so much in the cinema this year, and the whole audience was laughing along as well.
I thought the structure was hardly groundbreaking, but done really well. Flashbacks involving Jeff Bridges and Clooney help add comic relief during some of the straighter scenes in the film and also at times are used to rack up the tension and reveal interesting insights. It is of course up to your interpretation if the flashbacks are 100% real, because they are told from the point of view of Ewan McGregor, recounting stories that were told to him by Clooney. This sorts out another common criticism that the film is extremely unrealistic, but there are some key scenes saying that Clooney might not be telling the whole truth that I feel have been overlooked.
It isn't going to be Oscar-fare or the greatest thing you'll ever see but with a good cast and a lot of laughs there isn't really going to be a much better way of spending a lazy Saturday afternoon with some popcorn and a buddy or two.
Stupid in a very good way
SforSmile10 July 2012
This film tells a story about a special army unit without having a real plot as even the main characters don't seem to know where they're heading. It's just an accumulation of absurd dialogues and crazy moments with real good actors that don't consider themselves too good to act silly (not too silly) although they certainly were unchallenged by the script. The shown sense of humour reminded me slightly of the humour in the fashion of the Coen brothers in terms of pace and surreality, however, less sarcastic, less biting and without cynicism. The characters are rather likable, harmless individuals trying to find peace in a violent surrounding. I would classify this film as a satire about everything the army represents in general and once you've realized how stupid the army is you'll find this an amusing 93 minutes of fun.
A confusing collection of scenes
Gordon-1117 January 2010
This film is about a journalist who goes to Iraq to find his ultimate story to prove to his wife the value of existence. He then travels with an eccentric ex American secret agent who claims to have supernatural abilities.
"The Men Who Stare at Goats" may have a great concept, but unfortunately it is not developed to anywhere interesting. It is a mix of comedy, action, drama and sci-fi. None of these elements are developed enough to make it stand out or make it shine. The plot is thin and underdeveloped, it cannot decide whether it wants to convince me there are supernatural powers or makes me shiver due to all the complicated politics in the army. It does not make me care about the characters or what they do either. The ending conflict is so weakly staged which feels so contrived. The end result of the film is a confusing and dull collection of scenes.
"The Men Who Stare at Goats" may have a great concept, but unfortunately it is not developed to anywhere interesting. It is a mix of comedy, action, drama and sci-fi. None of these elements are developed enough to make it stand out or make it shine. The plot is thin and underdeveloped, it cannot decide whether it wants to convince me there are supernatural powers or makes me shiver due to all the complicated politics in the army. It does not make me care about the characters or what they do either. The ending conflict is so weakly staged which feels so contrived. The end result of the film is a confusing and dull collection of scenes.
See it if you are bored and have seen everything else.
theoriginalbyoch7 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
After seeing the previews for this movie I was very eager to see the entire thing. If I had known beforehand how this movie was, I would have chosen another title to watch instead.
The cast is all star, and was one of the draws for this movie. Many of these actors are my favorites and I felt they each had a capability to bring something special to the table. Unfortunately, they did not. Talk about a waste of talent.
The movie was confusing as to its' true intent. Was this a comedy, social commentary, drama, coming of age story, anti-war flick? What was the director trying to hit? It seemed as though elements of all these genres were present without actually being delved into with any sort of depth.
I was unable to bring myself to care about McGregor's character. His own personal journey, the need to prove himself- it just didn't seem compelling to me. Instead he seemed more like a child whining about needing an adventure. Perhaps if the movie had focused more on his character and development instead of throwing two wars, a psychic battalion, and the three-way fight between Spacey, Clooney, and Bridges, McGregor's character would have been more believable. As such it felt as though there were too many independently interesting parts to the story to all get enough time in the 93 minute movie.
The action sequences are pretty mild and supposed to drive the satire of the film but somehow it all felt hollow and forced. Several examples of this shallow attempt at bringing large and important social commentary points home occur in Iraq. We are shown the characters being kidnapped by thugs and sold to Al Qaeda. The scene feels forced and doesn't really fit with the story other than to provide another excuse for Clooney's character to have nothing but time to relate his background. The scene does not drive up to care for the characters, feel for their safety, or even feel the natural confusion of that situation. Instead we sit and patiently await whatever plot device moves the characters along to their next scene.
In another scene we see private security contractors acting in a Hollywood stereotype, shooting up the town (apparently Ramadi) for no reason other than to illustrate how evil all us Americans must be. This scene still falls short and ends without ever needing to happen, and feels as much. It is entirely forgettable and doesn't serve to set up the next scene where an Iraqi man helps the characters along their journey. We neither feel badly about the contractors' actions nor identify with the plight of the locals before it all swirls away into the next scene where we see the main characters walking away from an IED (thrown in for chic-ness) while dusting themselves off.
Perhaps most annoying were the constant 'Jedi' references. While funny the first time by the end of the movie it feels like George Lucas pulled a prank and rewrote the script before filming started. Ironically, I felt that the joke would not have been so overplayed had McGregor not been in the movie. As it was, this line kept pulling me out of this movie and reminding me of "Star Wars".
The movie fails in its' effort at social commentary as well. Again, this flick suffers from too much to tell in too short a time.
The cast is all star, and was one of the draws for this movie. Many of these actors are my favorites and I felt they each had a capability to bring something special to the table. Unfortunately, they did not. Talk about a waste of talent.
The movie was confusing as to its' true intent. Was this a comedy, social commentary, drama, coming of age story, anti-war flick? What was the director trying to hit? It seemed as though elements of all these genres were present without actually being delved into with any sort of depth.
I was unable to bring myself to care about McGregor's character. His own personal journey, the need to prove himself- it just didn't seem compelling to me. Instead he seemed more like a child whining about needing an adventure. Perhaps if the movie had focused more on his character and development instead of throwing two wars, a psychic battalion, and the three-way fight between Spacey, Clooney, and Bridges, McGregor's character would have been more believable. As such it felt as though there were too many independently interesting parts to the story to all get enough time in the 93 minute movie.
The action sequences are pretty mild and supposed to drive the satire of the film but somehow it all felt hollow and forced. Several examples of this shallow attempt at bringing large and important social commentary points home occur in Iraq. We are shown the characters being kidnapped by thugs and sold to Al Qaeda. The scene feels forced and doesn't really fit with the story other than to provide another excuse for Clooney's character to have nothing but time to relate his background. The scene does not drive up to care for the characters, feel for their safety, or even feel the natural confusion of that situation. Instead we sit and patiently await whatever plot device moves the characters along to their next scene.
In another scene we see private security contractors acting in a Hollywood stereotype, shooting up the town (apparently Ramadi) for no reason other than to illustrate how evil all us Americans must be. This scene still falls short and ends without ever needing to happen, and feels as much. It is entirely forgettable and doesn't serve to set up the next scene where an Iraqi man helps the characters along their journey. We neither feel badly about the contractors' actions nor identify with the plight of the locals before it all swirls away into the next scene where we see the main characters walking away from an IED (thrown in for chic-ness) while dusting themselves off.
Perhaps most annoying were the constant 'Jedi' references. While funny the first time by the end of the movie it feels like George Lucas pulled a prank and rewrote the script before filming started. Ironically, I felt that the joke would not have been so overplayed had McGregor not been in the movie. As it was, this line kept pulling me out of this movie and reminding me of "Star Wars".
The movie fails in its' effort at social commentary as well. Again, this flick suffers from too much to tell in too short a time.
An Instant Classic
bilko-113 March 2010
After reading some of the reviews here, I came to this film expecting to be disappointed. How wrong I was! It turned out to be one of the funniest, most powerful films that I have seen in years. It reminded me of some of the great movies of the sixties and seventies. Times have changed and it seems that people no longer get the kind of satire that grabbed us back then. I was constantly reminded of films like "Catch 22,"" M.A.S.H." "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest," and "Steelyard Blues." In those days, we got it. Now, people see that "Hippy Philosophy" thing as a cliché. They cannot see the relevance to today's world, which is a pity. "The Men Who Stare At Goats' is a genre film, in the tradition of those great comic satires that challenged the status quo so effectively, 40 years back. I truly believe its reputation will grow, over the years.
Clooney At His Finest, But Not Anything Special
gavin694223 December 2009
While doing his boring job as a reporter-journalist, one man stumbles upon the existence of an old military secret: a branch of soldiers trained in harnessing their mental superpowers. Coincidentally, after heading off to Iraq for an inside scoop on the 2003 war, he meets another member of this secret group and his misadventures begin.
There's some weird obsession with "Star Wars" in this film. Besides the obvious talk of Jedi Warriors, there's a scene early on where the main character makes a reference to blonde farm boy, which is clearly meant to be Luke Skywalker. (What's interesting is that later the guy claims to have not seen the movies, so it's odd that he would make cryptic references.)
I cannot say enough about the amazing cast. Ewan MacGregor, Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges and George Clooney, among others. The most disappointing thing about this film is that with such an amazing cast that you would think this would be the year's blockbuster, but actually will more than likely be no more than a blip on the cinematic radar.
I don't know what's up with Roger Ebert and his Lebowski obsession. In his review, he repeatedly says that Lebowski fans will like this one and that Jeff Bridges plays his role as Lebowski playing a military man. Well, I could see some Lebowski in there, and like that other film, they both involve Iraq. But, really, I see Lebowski when I see Jeff Bridges, so that's not really a stretch. Ebert really took it beyond the necessarily bounds.
Ultimately, the film comes up short. With this cast, as I said, I expect something more. There is humor, but it's here and there. And even the plot, which is interesting, doesn't really seem to be as strong as it should be. A good film, and one I recommend to George Clooney fans, but not a hidden treasure.
There's some weird obsession with "Star Wars" in this film. Besides the obvious talk of Jedi Warriors, there's a scene early on where the main character makes a reference to blonde farm boy, which is clearly meant to be Luke Skywalker. (What's interesting is that later the guy claims to have not seen the movies, so it's odd that he would make cryptic references.)
I cannot say enough about the amazing cast. Ewan MacGregor, Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges and George Clooney, among others. The most disappointing thing about this film is that with such an amazing cast that you would think this would be the year's blockbuster, but actually will more than likely be no more than a blip on the cinematic radar.
I don't know what's up with Roger Ebert and his Lebowski obsession. In his review, he repeatedly says that Lebowski fans will like this one and that Jeff Bridges plays his role as Lebowski playing a military man. Well, I could see some Lebowski in there, and like that other film, they both involve Iraq. But, really, I see Lebowski when I see Jeff Bridges, so that's not really a stretch. Ebert really took it beyond the necessarily bounds.
Ultimately, the film comes up short. With this cast, as I said, I expect something more. There is humor, but it's here and there. And even the plot, which is interesting, doesn't really seem to be as strong as it should be. A good film, and one I recommend to George Clooney fans, but not a hidden treasure.
Optimum Trajectory
ferguson-68 November 2009
Greetings again from the darkness. The best I can do here is give this one credit for trying to be a little different. From the opening credits when we are told ''You wouldn't believe how much of this is true', the quasi-farcical approach works sometimes and falls flat at other time.
George Clooney begins the film at his deadpan best, but the story is so convoluted, that even he doesn't know what to do with it after that. Can't even tell you why Ewan McGregor would take his role unless he owed actor-turned-director Grant Heslov a favor. Kevin Spacey sleepwalks through another performance, though Jeff Bridges does have some fun in a 1960's style montage.
Mostly all I can say is I am confused how a film with so much seemingly going on, could actually be so boring. The story needed to take a real direction instead of bouncing around between is it a real secret spy program, or is it a film of self-discovery, or is it a parody, or is it a commentary? Some filmmakers can mesh different styles, but rather than meshed, this one was just messy.
George Clooney begins the film at his deadpan best, but the story is so convoluted, that even he doesn't know what to do with it after that. Can't even tell you why Ewan McGregor would take his role unless he owed actor-turned-director Grant Heslov a favor. Kevin Spacey sleepwalks through another performance, though Jeff Bridges does have some fun in a 1960's style montage.
Mostly all I can say is I am confused how a film with so much seemingly going on, could actually be so boring. The story needed to take a real direction instead of bouncing around between is it a real secret spy program, or is it a film of self-discovery, or is it a parody, or is it a commentary? Some filmmakers can mesh different styles, but rather than meshed, this one was just messy.
The Men Who Stare at Goats (so as to become Jedi Warriors and create world peace while possibly under the influence of LSD) Any questions?
sabretoothmovies5 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Even from the title, a person can guess that this movie will be different. Men staring at goats doesn't seem like the most interesting plot line; maybe then does the movie aim to be original rather than just having commercial appeal? The answer is a resounding yes. Men Who Stare at Goats is absurd, odd, hilarious, amusing, definitely original, possibly good and not at all what you would expect.
The plot, well the plot is complicated and involves a present-time storyline that is broken up between flashbacks. In short, George Clooney and Ewan McGregor are on one hell of a road trip in Iraq while Clooney tells McGregor about his time in a secret army training program, bent on creating Jedi warriors. So it's your typical movie. What it really is is one of those smart-and-dumb-at-the-same-time -comedies-that-involves- George-Clooney; films such as Burn After Reading and The Informant (which he produced) also fall into this category. Whether you like this movie or not, will depend on how accepting you are of the ridiculous. The movie deals with developing Jedi warriors in a comedically serious way that will be just too much for some people. The sixties counter culture is popular target for jokes in films, but an army program run by a long-haired hippy, working on world peace by dancing, that's pushing it. My personal feeling for the movie was overall positive; it was original and some segments were genuinely funny. Also on the plus side was the acting. The two leads were good, though McGregor had some accent slips, but the supporting cast was also impressive. Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges and Stephen Lang all embraced the absurdity of their roles and played them with relish.
As for the comedy, the movie is funny. Some parts drag on a little long with no laughs but patience is always rewarded. Jokes in this movie are both smart and dumb, mixing slapstick with intellectual comedy. Clooney running over someone he's trying to rescue falls in the slapstick category; a guy explaining why the US has to finance the Jedi training because the USSR thinks there already financing it is smart funny. Kevin Spacey's "psychic voice" is just plain funny.
To finish off, I can only think to repeat that the movie is absurd and just plain odd, but then again so is real life. If the US can torture people with Barney why can't they train people with Star Wars?
The plot, well the plot is complicated and involves a present-time storyline that is broken up between flashbacks. In short, George Clooney and Ewan McGregor are on one hell of a road trip in Iraq while Clooney tells McGregor about his time in a secret army training program, bent on creating Jedi warriors. So it's your typical movie. What it really is is one of those smart-and-dumb-at-the-same-time -comedies-that-involves- George-Clooney; films such as Burn After Reading and The Informant (which he produced) also fall into this category. Whether you like this movie or not, will depend on how accepting you are of the ridiculous. The movie deals with developing Jedi warriors in a comedically serious way that will be just too much for some people. The sixties counter culture is popular target for jokes in films, but an army program run by a long-haired hippy, working on world peace by dancing, that's pushing it. My personal feeling for the movie was overall positive; it was original and some segments were genuinely funny. Also on the plus side was the acting. The two leads were good, though McGregor had some accent slips, but the supporting cast was also impressive. Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges and Stephen Lang all embraced the absurdity of their roles and played them with relish.
As for the comedy, the movie is funny. Some parts drag on a little long with no laughs but patience is always rewarded. Jokes in this movie are both smart and dumb, mixing slapstick with intellectual comedy. Clooney running over someone he's trying to rescue falls in the slapstick category; a guy explaining why the US has to finance the Jedi training because the USSR thinks there already financing it is smart funny. Kevin Spacey's "psychic voice" is just plain funny.
To finish off, I can only think to repeat that the movie is absurd and just plain odd, but then again so is real life. If the US can torture people with Barney why can't they train people with Star Wars?
Enjoyable but not great
peter-night10 November 2009
I guess I must have had high expectations coming into this film because although I enjoyed it I was left with a sense of "it could've been much better." The soundtrack was amazing and some of the acting left me smiling (but not laughing!). There were some great moments and some classic situations but I think the problem is that it's a one joke movie and sustaining the comedy for nearly two hours was too much.
All the usual suspects put in frenzied performances, but again I felt they were trying to hard. Don't bother to go to the theater. Wait for it on DVD. You'll enjoy it much more (rather than keep thinking about the 11 bucks you just spent!).
All the usual suspects put in frenzied performances, but again I felt they were trying to hard. Don't bother to go to the theater. Wait for it on DVD. You'll enjoy it much more (rather than keep thinking about the 11 bucks you just spent!).
I keep getting duped by previews
jordan224022 November 2009
I thought this would be similar to something the Coen bros. might put out when it first previewed. I was wrong. While it was good for a chuckle or two, I found it boring for the most part, and am still not quite sure what the "mission" was that served as the motivation for the main characters. I also couldn't figure out if it was making fun of the men with "special powers," or if it was paying homage to them. Basically, I think someone tried to make a story out of something that really wasn't worthy of one. Perhaps the filmmakers tried to stay too close to real-life events. I think the material could have been used as the basis for a very funny fictional film. As it was, I couldn't wait for this one to end.
Not As Good As I Was Expecting
kylehodgdon11 November 2009
I did like "The Men Who Stare at Goats", however, it was not as good as I set my hopes for. This is one of those movies where the trailers and adds on television showed the funniest parts of the movie.
The story was neither here or there and I spent a majority of the time hoping they would really go somewhere, yet it never did.
I felt that the idea of the movie was very splendid, but the execution left a lot to be desired.
Clooney and Spacey were great as always. Bridges (who I am not quite as familiar with) was enjoyable as well. McGregor was not bad, yet nothing special.
Overall, not bad acting, not bad ideas, but the story could have been better. Check it out if you have a chance but don't worry if it passes you by.
The story was neither here or there and I spent a majority of the time hoping they would really go somewhere, yet it never did.
I felt that the idea of the movie was very splendid, but the execution left a lot to be desired.
Clooney and Spacey were great as always. Bridges (who I am not quite as familiar with) was enjoyable as well. McGregor was not bad, yet nothing special.
Overall, not bad acting, not bad ideas, but the story could have been better. Check it out if you have a chance but don't worry if it passes you by.
Younkin Reviews Movies
C-Younkin5 November 2009
"The Men Who Stare at Goats" is a fascinating subject that gets the "Saturday Night Live" treatment. It's all based on fact (from Jon Ronson's book) but the concept is so silly that director Grant Heslov and George Clooney (both worked on "Good Night, and Good Luck) really can't help but make fun of it, and there are some good laughs here. Just no real story.
Ewan McGregor plays journalist Bob Wilton, a jilted husband who goes to war to forget his backstabbing wife only to end up wiling away in Kuwait. One night he meets Lyn Cassidy (George Clooney), a familiar name to him from a previous interview he did years before about psychic-spies. Lyn was the best in what was called the "New Earth Army", started by Vietnam-Vet Bill Django (Jeff Bridges) in the 80's to create soldiers with super-powers who could prevent conflict. The Army was later dismantled and used for evil purposes by the movie's antagonist Hooper (Kevin Spacey) but Lyn tells Bob he's been re-activated, and has a secret mission to do in Iraq. Bob, thinking Lyn crazy but interesting at the same time, decides to team up with him and go where the action is. Along the way, Lyn tells him stories of others dubbed, "Jedi Warriors."
Most of the movie is flashbacks, beginning with Iraq War 2003 and chronicling all the way back to the beginning of New Age warfare. There are weird and crazy laughs to be had like Lyn's initiation, where Django urges him he will never be a soldier unless he can free the dance. The lines are good too. "We tried invisibility but then worked it down to just not being seen", Lyn tells Bob upon their first meeting. Clooney is perfectly eccentric as a guy who lives by the mindfulness-over-warfare principal and McGregor is a whiny, but solid straight-man. Bridges is also terrific as this free-spirited hippie. Only the laughs and flashbacks (which feel like a series of sketches) aren't enough to distract from the fact that "Goats" really has no compelling narrative. The forward-moving story in Iraq 2003 has very little momentum. Spacey appears later on again as the villain but the conflict is weak and the movie has more than over-stayed its welcome.
Ewan McGregor plays journalist Bob Wilton, a jilted husband who goes to war to forget his backstabbing wife only to end up wiling away in Kuwait. One night he meets Lyn Cassidy (George Clooney), a familiar name to him from a previous interview he did years before about psychic-spies. Lyn was the best in what was called the "New Earth Army", started by Vietnam-Vet Bill Django (Jeff Bridges) in the 80's to create soldiers with super-powers who could prevent conflict. The Army was later dismantled and used for evil purposes by the movie's antagonist Hooper (Kevin Spacey) but Lyn tells Bob he's been re-activated, and has a secret mission to do in Iraq. Bob, thinking Lyn crazy but interesting at the same time, decides to team up with him and go where the action is. Along the way, Lyn tells him stories of others dubbed, "Jedi Warriors."
Most of the movie is flashbacks, beginning with Iraq War 2003 and chronicling all the way back to the beginning of New Age warfare. There are weird and crazy laughs to be had like Lyn's initiation, where Django urges him he will never be a soldier unless he can free the dance. The lines are good too. "We tried invisibility but then worked it down to just not being seen", Lyn tells Bob upon their first meeting. Clooney is perfectly eccentric as a guy who lives by the mindfulness-over-warfare principal and McGregor is a whiny, but solid straight-man. Bridges is also terrific as this free-spirited hippie. Only the laughs and flashbacks (which feel like a series of sketches) aren't enough to distract from the fact that "Goats" really has no compelling narrative. The forward-moving story in Iraq 2003 has very little momentum. Spacey appears later on again as the villain but the conflict is weak and the movie has more than over-stayed its welcome.
The Force
tedg24 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Wars are bad investments in many ways. One of those, it seems is that a war — even a huge, long war — allows only one great "perspective movie."
WWII ="Catch 22"
Korean War = "M A S H"
Cold War = "Doctor Stangelove"
Vietnam = "Apocalypse Now."
I register this film as the one the world bought by going to war in Iraq. At three trillion dollars and the bending of a national soul for generations, it is pretty expensive. But it does well in my book. It matters a lot to me that we discover new places to observe ourselves. I believe that initially those places — if truly new in the narrative world — will seem both magical and humorous. These films will confuse; war is a confusing beast, but enlighten merely because of their existence.
As an experience, this movie had more laugh out loud moments for me than any film in recent memory. There is s seamless mix of cheap slapstick and profoundly sophisticated humor, and the mix tricks you into laughing at hard things, believing them to be simple ones.
Two things are notable. The first is that some substantial part of this is not just about wars, but about war movies, and specifically "Star Wars." Ewan plays the fellow who is folded into this movie: the guy who wrote it and is our enchanted on-screen narrator. He is discovered to have Jedi qualities. As his wide-eyed character discovers the secret program of psychic warriors, he himself becomes part of the war-joke by reference to the rather daft celebration of violence we have in movies, merely because it is cinematic.
The second cool thing is the way that imagination within the story reaches outside the story. There are the usual folds of course: a book written about an encounter that has an interwoven flashback history. But these folds have psychic insight that crosses the boundaries. This magical reality of insight allows the jokes to also cross the boundaries or folds, into the essence of the stupidities of this conflict and incidentally allowing that mix of satire and slapstick I mentioned. It is really quite brilliant: Spike Jonez sort of stuff.
The only real deficiency is the end, which is profoundly mis-imagined. I suppose that is appropriate, given the conflict itself. But you walk out remembering the failed end and not the successful views beforehand.
I do not know the book. It supposedly claims connection with "real facts." At least one is wrong: the research on psychics was in the 70s, and not connected with the New Earth Army. The psychic business was significant.
Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.
WWII ="Catch 22"
Korean War = "M A S H"
Cold War = "Doctor Stangelove"
Vietnam = "Apocalypse Now."
I register this film as the one the world bought by going to war in Iraq. At three trillion dollars and the bending of a national soul for generations, it is pretty expensive. But it does well in my book. It matters a lot to me that we discover new places to observe ourselves. I believe that initially those places — if truly new in the narrative world — will seem both magical and humorous. These films will confuse; war is a confusing beast, but enlighten merely because of their existence.
As an experience, this movie had more laugh out loud moments for me than any film in recent memory. There is s seamless mix of cheap slapstick and profoundly sophisticated humor, and the mix tricks you into laughing at hard things, believing them to be simple ones.
Two things are notable. The first is that some substantial part of this is not just about wars, but about war movies, and specifically "Star Wars." Ewan plays the fellow who is folded into this movie: the guy who wrote it and is our enchanted on-screen narrator. He is discovered to have Jedi qualities. As his wide-eyed character discovers the secret program of psychic warriors, he himself becomes part of the war-joke by reference to the rather daft celebration of violence we have in movies, merely because it is cinematic.
The second cool thing is the way that imagination within the story reaches outside the story. There are the usual folds of course: a book written about an encounter that has an interwoven flashback history. But these folds have psychic insight that crosses the boundaries. This magical reality of insight allows the jokes to also cross the boundaries or folds, into the essence of the stupidities of this conflict and incidentally allowing that mix of satire and slapstick I mentioned. It is really quite brilliant: Spike Jonez sort of stuff.
The only real deficiency is the end, which is profoundly mis-imagined. I suppose that is appropriate, given the conflict itself. But you walk out remembering the failed end and not the successful views beforehand.
I do not know the book. It supposedly claims connection with "real facts." At least one is wrong: the research on psychics was in the 70s, and not connected with the New Earth Army. The psychic business was significant.
Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.
Of Men and Goats
Galina_movie_fan6 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Some consider this darkly comical fantastically realistic comedy about a top secret special unit in the 1980's U.S. Army, a brilliant satire on war and paranoia. The others dismiss it is a failure on the level of the infamous high-budget desert comedy of the Cold War era, Ishtar (1987). I personally think "The Men Who Stare At Goats" is a curious, cerebral, funny and poignant parody/spoof of and at the same time the dedication to many outstanding films, as different as Dr. Strangelove.., Star Wars epics, The Big Lebowski, and even the Silence of the Lambs. The famous and talented actors simply bring their characters from the earlier movies to The Men Who Stare at Goats. The film is notable for the funny, surreal narrative style with numerous leaps from present day to the not so distant past, when the two superpowers tried to create super powerful weapon against each other, using the supernatural and paranormal phenomena. This is the movie where Jeff Bridges in the full Dude Lebowski mode joins the Army and forms the Special Unit, First Earth Battalion that trains the soldiers to become the "warrior monks" who'd possess the supernatural power and be able to use their minds as the deadly weapon. The mandatory part of the training involves LSD experimentation and daily worship of Mother Earth as a source of supernatural abilities. This is the movie, where Obi-Wan-Konobi (Ewan McGregor) has no idea who the Jedi are, and the character played by Kevin Spacey is taken by the dark side of the force because of his supernatural stubbornness and meanness. As for George Clooneys Gus, the Master, the best in the unit in the past but lost and confused now, he can't forget the death of one goat that he caused by just staring at it during the experiments. Gus believes that if he saves one goat, just one from the cruel experiments now, the dead animal would stop staring at him in his memory with the unbearable silence of the goats.
In short, if you like the absurdist, off-beat, cerebral films -I highly recommend this. If not - don't stare at the goats.
7.5/10
In short, if you like the absurdist, off-beat, cerebral films -I highly recommend this. If not - don't stare at the goats.
7.5/10
Noble Failure.
rmax30482328 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Jon Ronson wrote the book this movie is based on. (Or was it Ron Johnson.) It must have been a pretty impressive novel otherwise the MBAs who greenlight these projects wouldn't have touched it with a ten- or even an eleven-foot pole. It brings together three elements that, perhaps in print, were seamlessly joined: comedy, nostalgia for the New Age, and social comment.
None of it works here, lamentably, despite the reasonably good performances by the leads and support and despite the competence of the director.
It's the script that's the problem. There ARE some amusing lines and funny moments in this story of a band of soldiers selected for duty in the Middle East because of their psychic powers. It's just that the funny lines and situations are so few and that they're so understated as to elicit wan smiles rather than chuckles -- and never mind laughter. My guess would be that the humor in the novel depended chiefly on internal monologues and the author's particular choice of descriptive phrases, rather than in the dialog or the situations themselves. That's a common problem with transposing comic novels to the screen, from "Ulysses" to "Lolita." And to whom is the nostalgia for New Age beliefs and activities addressed? Who's mind will click when they witness the kinds of tricks the Yippies pulled during the Vietnam war -- trying to levitate the Pentagon and whatnot? And much of the parody goes farther back in time than that, to the early 1960s, somewhere in the temporal vicinity of "Candy." It's a small audience indeed.
The social comment deals not just with the New Age but with even greater resonance with the war in the Middle East. We now have two wars going, or maybe two and a half. One is winding down in Iraq. "Winding down" here means we only have some 5,000 armed troops fighting and dying there. One in Afghanistan is fully blown. One in Pakistan is covert and is not happening at all.
The difficulty with the social comment is that these wars are so controversial and the country itself so polarized that nothing can be said about the conflicts. WHATEVER scene or statement reflects a value judgment is going to outrage half the population. The result is a chasm across which there is no tightrope. The actual wars -- the mercenary groups, the blood -- sort of loom in the background without being directly addressed.
Nope. It's not an insulting film. It doesn't treat the viewer as some recently evolved species of moral ape. It isn't dumbed down. It's just not successful in its enterprise. I'm tempted to give it a decoration just for taking as many chances with the audience as it does. But I can't recommend seeing it because it's so dull.
None of it works here, lamentably, despite the reasonably good performances by the leads and support and despite the competence of the director.
It's the script that's the problem. There ARE some amusing lines and funny moments in this story of a band of soldiers selected for duty in the Middle East because of their psychic powers. It's just that the funny lines and situations are so few and that they're so understated as to elicit wan smiles rather than chuckles -- and never mind laughter. My guess would be that the humor in the novel depended chiefly on internal monologues and the author's particular choice of descriptive phrases, rather than in the dialog or the situations themselves. That's a common problem with transposing comic novels to the screen, from "Ulysses" to "Lolita." And to whom is the nostalgia for New Age beliefs and activities addressed? Who's mind will click when they witness the kinds of tricks the Yippies pulled during the Vietnam war -- trying to levitate the Pentagon and whatnot? And much of the parody goes farther back in time than that, to the early 1960s, somewhere in the temporal vicinity of "Candy." It's a small audience indeed.
The social comment deals not just with the New Age but with even greater resonance with the war in the Middle East. We now have two wars going, or maybe two and a half. One is winding down in Iraq. "Winding down" here means we only have some 5,000 armed troops fighting and dying there. One in Afghanistan is fully blown. One in Pakistan is covert and is not happening at all.
The difficulty with the social comment is that these wars are so controversial and the country itself so polarized that nothing can be said about the conflicts. WHATEVER scene or statement reflects a value judgment is going to outrage half the population. The result is a chasm across which there is no tightrope. The actual wars -- the mercenary groups, the blood -- sort of loom in the background without being directly addressed.
Nope. It's not an insulting film. It doesn't treat the viewer as some recently evolved species of moral ape. It isn't dumbed down. It's just not successful in its enterprise. I'm tempted to give it a decoration just for taking as many chances with the audience as it does. But I can't recommend seeing it because it's so dull.
Very inspiring
catie_x26 March 2010
I understand that not everyone will get this movie, but for me it was an overwhelming emotional ride because I share the same philosophy as the character Bill Django (Jeff Bridges). I recommend this movie to anyone who likes to ask questions about why things are the way they are in our world and wonders what we can do to change it. It was intelligent and funny, and will probably be appealing to more open-minded viewers. There are too few movies like this and I enjoyed that it made me think. It has that altruistic feel to it that doesn't sit well with everyone based on some other reviews, which perhaps makes it an even more important movie for our times.
Great Movie In My Opinion
JKaye5713 October 2009
I just came back from watching this film at my school, SUNY Purchase, and I must say I was pretty satisfied. The film is interesting and was very clever and witty. George Clooney was hilarious in his role as Lyn Cassady and Ewan McGregor was perfect for his role. Besides Clooney, my favorite character was Jeff Bridges. He hasn't disappointed me before and doesn't seem like he ever will. Kevin Spacey's character kind of annoyed me and was a bit of an arrogant jerk...but...with Kevin Spacey...it should have been expected.
I stuck around a bit for the discussion after the movie and I realized that the movie wasn't well received by adults. The audience members that were more so in the late teens to mid twenties loved the movie. I guess due to some of the content in the movie that that was the reasoning. I would recommend this movie for anyone who wants a good laugh. Although at times the movie can be a bit ridiculous, it just makes the movie all the more funnier.
I stuck around a bit for the discussion after the movie and I realized that the movie wasn't well received by adults. The audience members that were more so in the late teens to mid twenties loved the movie. I guess due to some of the content in the movie that that was the reasoning. I would recommend this movie for anyone who wants a good laugh. Although at times the movie can be a bit ridiculous, it just makes the movie all the more funnier.
The Man That Stares at A Goat
jenmacfadyen18 November 2009
I was slightly disappointed by the title...there was only one man who stared at one goat...very misleading...
The only semi funny part of the movie was George dancing...I still didn't laugh...well I guess the fact that they called Ewan McGregor Jedi throughout the movie was slightly funny as well...however if you're thinking about seeing this movie I suggest not watching it in the theater because you don't want to pay to see half a movie (you might want to leave half way through...I know I did)
I have to leave ten lines of text...but the movie was so bad I have nothing more to say about it...
bananas
The only semi funny part of the movie was George dancing...I still didn't laugh...well I guess the fact that they called Ewan McGregor Jedi throughout the movie was slightly funny as well...however if you're thinking about seeing this movie I suggest not watching it in the theater because you don't want to pay to see half a movie (you might want to leave half way through...I know I did)
I have to leave ten lines of text...but the movie was so bad I have nothing more to say about it...
bananas
Terrific movie! Hilarious, smart and interesting.
Soundstage82 October 2009
I just got back from seeing "The Men Who Stare at Goats" at the Woodstock Film Festival. I walked in knowing the main plot, and I expected it to be pretty good because of the great actors it has, the premise of the story and the music used in the soundtrack. My expectations weren't only met, but they were greatly exceeded.
The story follows a broken-hearted journalist (McGregor) who goes on the job to Iraq to prove to his ex-wife he isn't weak or frail. There, he meets Lyn Cassidy (Clooney) who is a "psychic" soldier for the US government, trained by his hippie instructor Billy (Bridges) to use his mind, peace and love to overcome hairy military situations. The story is the two mens' adventure together.
The movie is essentially broken down into I'd say 3 parts. The first part is the main story of the journalist and Lyn as they travel in Iraq on a special mission Lyn is on. The second is the very humorous back-story of the history of the creation and existence of the "psychic soldiers" of the military. When I say "back-story" and "history" I mean the main background to Lyn and Billy's character, as well as the main antagonist of the story, played by Kevin Spacey. The third part is the first person narration provided by Ewen McGregor about the things that are going on. He offers insight into his mind and opinions on the things he says and of himself and Lyn as the story progresses.
The Men Who Stare at Goats is a very hilarious movie, with many quotable lines and excellent acting by the entire cast. The story is very unique and the film uses that as a great advantage to itself in setting up the humor. The characters are very real and are taken to heart right away. The film is funny, intriguing, smart, witty, fast-paced, emotional, enjoyable and inspirational. I highly recommend it to any Ewen McGregor, George Clooney, Kevin Spacey or Jeff Bridges fan, for fans of those men will not be disappointed with the acting and mannerisms of the characters those actors portrayed.
The Men Who Stare at Goats is a very fun movie to see in theaters and everyone in my audience were cracking up laughing many, many times. It is a movie for casual movie goers and film aficionados alike. Go see it.
8.5/10
The story follows a broken-hearted journalist (McGregor) who goes on the job to Iraq to prove to his ex-wife he isn't weak or frail. There, he meets Lyn Cassidy (Clooney) who is a "psychic" soldier for the US government, trained by his hippie instructor Billy (Bridges) to use his mind, peace and love to overcome hairy military situations. The story is the two mens' adventure together.
The movie is essentially broken down into I'd say 3 parts. The first part is the main story of the journalist and Lyn as they travel in Iraq on a special mission Lyn is on. The second is the very humorous back-story of the history of the creation and existence of the "psychic soldiers" of the military. When I say "back-story" and "history" I mean the main background to Lyn and Billy's character, as well as the main antagonist of the story, played by Kevin Spacey. The third part is the first person narration provided by Ewen McGregor about the things that are going on. He offers insight into his mind and opinions on the things he says and of himself and Lyn as the story progresses.
The Men Who Stare at Goats is a very hilarious movie, with many quotable lines and excellent acting by the entire cast. The story is very unique and the film uses that as a great advantage to itself in setting up the humor. The characters are very real and are taken to heart right away. The film is funny, intriguing, smart, witty, fast-paced, emotional, enjoyable and inspirational. I highly recommend it to any Ewen McGregor, George Clooney, Kevin Spacey or Jeff Bridges fan, for fans of those men will not be disappointed with the acting and mannerisms of the characters those actors portrayed.
The Men Who Stare at Goats is a very fun movie to see in theaters and everyone in my audience were cracking up laughing many, many times. It is a movie for casual movie goers and film aficionados alike. Go see it.
8.5/10
You don't take anything with you out of the theater
DarthVoorhees7 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I liked Men Who Stare at Goats reasonably well while I was watching it. It has moments of inspired humor. The problem I have with it though is it just doesn't do much. The script while humorous is weak in crucial areas of character development and plot. In the end the movie feels empty and hollow.
Part of why I think the film is weak is it's lack of real direction. Men Who Stare at Goats tries to be a black comedy. It isn't quite dark enough to do this. It isn't smart and urbane enough to be a quirky comedy either. What we are left with is a hybrid of several genres trying to mix together. I kept thinking I would have loved to have seen Mike Judge's take on this material. It's too dramatic to be a straight forward comedy but too serious to be a straight forward drama. The idea of trying to add dramatic elements into a story about Jedi Warriors is kind of silly to begin with. That concept actually gets more laughs from me than some of the stuff in the movie. What the film really needs is a stand out comedic actor in it's cast. I am not arguing Jeff Bridges talent and I like his performance but that role is tailor made for a comedian. Imagine what someone like Steve Carrell could do with that role or Clooney's role for that matter. A stronger comedic presence is sorely needed in this film.
Ewan McGregor is good in his role, but I don't think he is strong enough to carry this story. It's kind of funny seeing him reference Jedi warriors but there are moments when this character is simply dry. I partially blame the script but I can't let McGregor off the hook. The character's lines read as if he were a quirky Woody Allen type character. McGregor offers little of this in his performance. He is supposed to be weak like his dialogue suggests but McGregor is simply being himself. He also fades in and out of his American accent which isn't very good to begin with. I like Ewan I really do but this is by far his most disappointing performance. Again he's good in making us believe this story but he is not good to make us believe his character. He's more of a narrator than a character.
The plot? The movie doesn't really have one. It's more of a series of events than a plot. Ewan McGregor enters a world where the US Government in Soviet paranoia created psychic soldiers. That's the story of the movie nothing more. Our characters move from Point A to Point B for no other reason than the plot dictate that they must. There is no threat to these psychic soldiers nor any actual hints of political commentary about the military. The film could have used both. Instead it becomes a character piece with little episodic scenes. God Bless George Clooney because he takes this material very seriously. I think he could get some mild Oscar consideration because his performance is very good. Kevin Spacey is good but doesn't have anything to really do with this character. He can be a very funny actor and he gets laughs. The laughs come from a vantage point of having this serious actor play a semi-serious character doing stupid stuff. It's kind of funny is what I found myself saying through out the film.
I admire the film's cast and the basic concept but it's not enough for me to fully recommend the film. By all means see it on video. In the long run though it just isn't worth the talent involved.
Part of why I think the film is weak is it's lack of real direction. Men Who Stare at Goats tries to be a black comedy. It isn't quite dark enough to do this. It isn't smart and urbane enough to be a quirky comedy either. What we are left with is a hybrid of several genres trying to mix together. I kept thinking I would have loved to have seen Mike Judge's take on this material. It's too dramatic to be a straight forward comedy but too serious to be a straight forward drama. The idea of trying to add dramatic elements into a story about Jedi Warriors is kind of silly to begin with. That concept actually gets more laughs from me than some of the stuff in the movie. What the film really needs is a stand out comedic actor in it's cast. I am not arguing Jeff Bridges talent and I like his performance but that role is tailor made for a comedian. Imagine what someone like Steve Carrell could do with that role or Clooney's role for that matter. A stronger comedic presence is sorely needed in this film.
Ewan McGregor is good in his role, but I don't think he is strong enough to carry this story. It's kind of funny seeing him reference Jedi warriors but there are moments when this character is simply dry. I partially blame the script but I can't let McGregor off the hook. The character's lines read as if he were a quirky Woody Allen type character. McGregor offers little of this in his performance. He is supposed to be weak like his dialogue suggests but McGregor is simply being himself. He also fades in and out of his American accent which isn't very good to begin with. I like Ewan I really do but this is by far his most disappointing performance. Again he's good in making us believe this story but he is not good to make us believe his character. He's more of a narrator than a character.
The plot? The movie doesn't really have one. It's more of a series of events than a plot. Ewan McGregor enters a world where the US Government in Soviet paranoia created psychic soldiers. That's the story of the movie nothing more. Our characters move from Point A to Point B for no other reason than the plot dictate that they must. There is no threat to these psychic soldiers nor any actual hints of political commentary about the military. The film could have used both. Instead it becomes a character piece with little episodic scenes. God Bless George Clooney because he takes this material very seriously. I think he could get some mild Oscar consideration because his performance is very good. Kevin Spacey is good but doesn't have anything to really do with this character. He can be a very funny actor and he gets laughs. The laughs come from a vantage point of having this serious actor play a semi-serious character doing stupid stuff. It's kind of funny is what I found myself saying through out the film.
I admire the film's cast and the basic concept but it's not enough for me to fully recommend the film. By all means see it on video. In the long run though it just isn't worth the talent involved.
The two wings of General Clooney's army have got lost in the fog
JamesHitchcock4 December 2009
"The Men Who Stare at Goats" is the latest George Clooney production; as with most of the other films which he has produced or directed, this one is essentially a vehicle for his left-wing opinions. It was directed by his business partner Grant Heslov who wrote the script for another Clooney project, "Good Night and Good Luck".
The film is based upon a book by the British journalist Jon Ronson which tells the bizarre but apparently true story of a secret unit within the US Army called the First Earth Battalion which attempted to find military applications for "New Age" philosophies. The title refers to one of the unit's activities- trying to kill goats by staring at them. Other projects included trying to walk through walls, remote viewing and invisibility (not to be confused with camouflage).
The main character is Bob Wilton, a journalist covering the Iraq War in 2003. Wilton stumbles onto a possible scoop when he meets Lyn Cassady, a former Special Forces operator who claims to have been part of the New Earth Army (as the First Earth Battalion is referred to here). In the film it is also referred to as the "Jedi Warriors" after the mystical, quasi-religious warrior-monks in the "Star Wars" films. Wilton is at first sceptical, but becomes less so as Cassady tells him more about the history of the unit. It was founded in the 1970s by a Vietnam veteran named Bill Django who had taken six years from the Army in order to research various New Age movements. A split developed between the idealistic Django, who wanted to use his unit's powers only for espionage and other non-lethal purposes, and Larry Hooper, one of his recruits who wanted to use New Age teachings to develop new ways of killing. (To continue the "Star Wars" analogy, Hooper can be seen as having, like Darth Vader, gone over to the dark side of the force). Lyn left the unit in a fit of remorse after killing a goat by staring at it, believing that it is wrong to use one's psychic abilities to cause death, even the death of an animal.
Despite the presence of Gorgeous George and several other big names (Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey) and some reasonably good acting, this is not a very good film. It is often difficult to follow exactly what is supposed to be going on, or how far we are supposed to take Cassady's claims at face value. The obvious aim of the film was to satirise the US military, but the problem is that Clooney and Heslov are trying to satirise it from two different positions at the same time, without realising that these positions are quite irreconcilable and therefore cancel one another out. At times the film takes up a vaguely New Age position itself, arguing that what America needs is more of the idealistic, pacific values of the movement and less of the militaristic values of the Larry Hoopers of this world. At other times, however, the film seems to be taking the strictly rationalist position that New Age philosophy is all a load of baloney and that the US Army must be mad if they take such unscientific nonsense seriously.
"The Men Who Stare at Goats" is not nearly as good as "Good Night, and Good Luck". That film has its faults, but it also has its virtues, notably a fine performance from David Strathairn in the central role. Even if one disagrees with Clooney's politics, there can be no doubt that in "Good Night, and Good Luck" he is setting out his position clearly. One cannot say that of "The Men Who Stare at Goats". In military terms what has happened is that the two wings of General Clooney's army have got lost in the fog and started attacking each other, all the time believing that they are in fact inflicting significant damage on the enemy. 4/10
The film is based upon a book by the British journalist Jon Ronson which tells the bizarre but apparently true story of a secret unit within the US Army called the First Earth Battalion which attempted to find military applications for "New Age" philosophies. The title refers to one of the unit's activities- trying to kill goats by staring at them. Other projects included trying to walk through walls, remote viewing and invisibility (not to be confused with camouflage).
The main character is Bob Wilton, a journalist covering the Iraq War in 2003. Wilton stumbles onto a possible scoop when he meets Lyn Cassady, a former Special Forces operator who claims to have been part of the New Earth Army (as the First Earth Battalion is referred to here). In the film it is also referred to as the "Jedi Warriors" after the mystical, quasi-religious warrior-monks in the "Star Wars" films. Wilton is at first sceptical, but becomes less so as Cassady tells him more about the history of the unit. It was founded in the 1970s by a Vietnam veteran named Bill Django who had taken six years from the Army in order to research various New Age movements. A split developed between the idealistic Django, who wanted to use his unit's powers only for espionage and other non-lethal purposes, and Larry Hooper, one of his recruits who wanted to use New Age teachings to develop new ways of killing. (To continue the "Star Wars" analogy, Hooper can be seen as having, like Darth Vader, gone over to the dark side of the force). Lyn left the unit in a fit of remorse after killing a goat by staring at it, believing that it is wrong to use one's psychic abilities to cause death, even the death of an animal.
Despite the presence of Gorgeous George and several other big names (Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey) and some reasonably good acting, this is not a very good film. It is often difficult to follow exactly what is supposed to be going on, or how far we are supposed to take Cassady's claims at face value. The obvious aim of the film was to satirise the US military, but the problem is that Clooney and Heslov are trying to satirise it from two different positions at the same time, without realising that these positions are quite irreconcilable and therefore cancel one another out. At times the film takes up a vaguely New Age position itself, arguing that what America needs is more of the idealistic, pacific values of the movement and less of the militaristic values of the Larry Hoopers of this world. At other times, however, the film seems to be taking the strictly rationalist position that New Age philosophy is all a load of baloney and that the US Army must be mad if they take such unscientific nonsense seriously.
"The Men Who Stare at Goats" is not nearly as good as "Good Night, and Good Luck". That film has its faults, but it also has its virtues, notably a fine performance from David Strathairn in the central role. Even if one disagrees with Clooney's politics, there can be no doubt that in "Good Night, and Good Luck" he is setting out his position clearly. One cannot say that of "The Men Who Stare at Goats". In military terms what has happened is that the two wings of General Clooney's army have got lost in the fog and started attacking each other, all the time believing that they are in fact inflicting significant damage on the enemy. 4/10
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