The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)

I guess this movie is based on a true story. Huh. After his wife leaves him, small-town journalist Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) decides to go to Iraq to report from the front, with the hope he'll prove himself more manly and useful. He ends up crossing the border into the country with Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), a former member of a covert psychic branch of the US military. As they travel, he expounds upon various members and practices of the group for Bob's new story.

This "New Earth Army" was founded by Bill Django (Jeff Bridges), a soldier who became a hippie when investigating New Age-y cultures. He helps develop the men's psychic abilities so they can locate missing persons and fight effectively, hoping that their techniques will eventually bring long-lasting peace. After the devious but gifted Larry Hooper (Kevin Spacey) joins their ranks, the group's dynamic is shifted and eventually, the project is terminated. Now Bob finds himself caught up in Lyn's dangerous mission, which is somehow connected to New Earth.

The Men Who Stare at Goats is a bit disjointed, comprised of two separate stories that aren't equally interesting, and aren't very well spliced together. I really like all of the flashback sequences, full of kooky characters and short comedic scenes. They're creative, well-written, and well-cast. Plus, George Clooney looks adorable with 70's shaggy hair. The present-day segments just aren't as engaging. We see Lyn and his story through Bob's perspective, and Bob just isn't that interesting of a guy. He isn't given much of a personality, and he doesn't really affect the story that much. Also, Ewan McGregor should have just stuck to a British accent, which he can actually do- Jon Ronson, the guy who wrote the book, is from the UK anyway.

Because of its great cast and off-kilter plot, this movie is pretty enjoyable overall. It's just a bit uneven in its storytelling, and doesn't take full advantage of its unique premise. I still had a fun time, though.

3.5/5