The Men Who Stare at Goats

Allegedly based on some truth, The Men Who Stare at Goats is the story of the army's attempt to create a force that uses psychological and paranormal powers, instead of guns and stuff. The unit is commanded by Colonel Django (Jeff Bridges), and if you can imagine an army officer made up of equal parts Timothy Leary and Jerry Garcia then you know what he's all about. The story is told largely in flashback years after the unit has been disbanded, with reporter Bob Wilton (EwanMcGregor), interviewing Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), who was a Sargent in the old unit. The two are traveling in Iraq, Bob looking for his "big" story, and Lyn on a mission. Kevin Spacey shows up a little later, and has a significant effect on the unit. There were a lot of laughs in the film, with most of the humor being of the very dry variety. George Clooney, as a true believer in all the new age philosophy was particularly good, and quite funny. The film also works well as an anti-war statement, with greedy contractors getting their share of the scathing. See it with your peace sign tee-shirt.

Rating - 3 Stars