STUDIO: Overture/Anchor Bay | DIRECTOR: Grant Heslov | STARS: George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, Robert Patrick, Stephen Lang
RELEASE DATE: 3/23/2010 | PRICE: DVD$29.98, Blu-ray
$39.98
BONUSES: commentaries, deleted scenes, featurettes, character bios
SPECS: R | 94 min. | Comedy | 2.35:1 widescreen | Dolby Digital 5.1 | English and SpanishRATINGS (out of 5): Movie
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| Video
Truth may be stranger than fiction, but that’s no guarantee it will be even half as interesting. Consider The Men Who Stare At Goats, directed by Grant Heslov, of which we are told in a tongue-in-cheek title card: “More of this is true than you might believe.” While it features likeable-enough performances from George Clooney (who, let’s face it, is always likeable), Jeff Bridges (ditto), Ewan McGregor, and Kevin Spacey—who brings a genuinely chilly edge to his character’s prissy pretensions—it’s a movie that suffers from an identity crisis.
It purports to tell the true story of one reporter’s investigation of the US military’s forays into the world of psychic spies, or “psy ops.” But it’s difficult to tell from its tone if this film is a satire, a legitimate inquiry into government conspiracy theories, a classic quest narrative as the reporter tries to nail the story of a lifetime and rebuild his marriage, or all—or possibly none—of the above. At about the two-thirds mark, I found myself turning to my viewing companion and saying, “But what is this movie about?” which is never a good sign.
Of more interest are the DVD extras, particularly the featurette on the real-life “men who stare at goats” and the British reporter, Jon Ronson, who collected their tales. (Another puzzle—why hire Ewan McGregor to play a character based on a British writer…and then make the character American? Surely his British accent is better than his flat and forced American one.) Additional extras include a making-of featurette, character bios, commentaries, and deleted scenes.
While this film offers some wonderfully absurdist set pieces—it will be a while before I forget the image of George Clooney staring in furrow-browed concentration at a placid, cud-chewing goat—in the end, as is the case with so many conspiracy theories, it fails to hang together. Worth buying if you’re an obsessive Clooney, Bridges, or Spacey fan. Worth renting if you’re a more casual one. And if McGregor’s your passion, he’s done far better work elsewhere–although it is a kick to hear him, upon learning that the “psy ops” are also referred to as “Jedi warriors,” ask Clooney’s character, “What’s a Jedi warrior?”
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Well I was quite looking forward to seeing this movie, mostly to discover the backround for the name. Your review is written so clearly and I can see myself uttering some of your comments. Your writing draws to believe that I can thoroughly trust your opinion but I still want to see this movie, if only to witness George Clooney playing any other character other George Clooney. Definitely a rental. Thanks for the review.
It’s definitely a lot of fun to watch Clooney in this movie. Fair warning, though–things don’t end very well for one of the titular goats (not that it’s particularly graphic or anything, but the reason why the military’s psychic spies are staring down the goats ain’t for the goats’ health).
Thanks for this review; I’ve been curious about this one but wondered if it could live up to its absurd premise, and sadly, it seems not, but the extras sound interesting enough (I’m a sucker for dvd/blu-ray extras) that I might rent it just for those!
The book was interesting so I’ll probably rent the DVD to see what they did to it. Thanks for not letting me get terribly excited about it.
thanks for the informative review. It answered the questions I had
about the movie. Too much to do to waste time on movies that are
going nowhere.
Wish more reviews were like this one. It was entertaining and not too long but gave enough detail to let me know whether or not I am interested in adding it to my Netflix list.
This was a film I had every intention of skipping. I’m not really someone who would enjoy anything like a “man vs animal” theme. Thanks for reinforcing my idea about this one.
Interesting concept – believe I’ve actually heard of this tho did not know much about it. Seems like it might be good for a rent if only for the ‘actor value’. May check it out. Thanks! 🙂
Thanks for the review. I’ve been curious about the movie ever since I saw the trailers on tv. It looked like it might be really funny and I’m glad to know that it probably isn’t before I actually see it. Less of a let down. Sounds like a rental.
I love this site. I am not a big movie buff and when searching through the list of pay per view titles I usually have no clue what the movies are about. This will be a great resource!
It sounded when it came out like one of those odd movies that I wouldn’t have the patience for, as much as I like looking at George Clooney in any shape or form. Your review helps to confirm my former suspicions.
Who puts THE MEN WHO STARED AT MOONS before deleted GOATS??
The title of this movie put me off….however, the reviews here have my interest piqued! Thanks for this site!!
The trailer we saw on TV looked so funny, and intriguing, however, like so many movies these days was misleading. Thanks for the review-and the forewarning about the unfortunate goat. Another rental/purchase idea bites the dust…
thank you for reviewing this film. I had heard a lot about it…pro and con. You’ve cleared up[ a lot for me. I think I’ll rent rather than buy.
Good luck with the website, too!!!
Laurie
Great writeup! I’m not sure I could see myself seeing this movie, but the review is excellent!
I’m glad you sat through this so I don’t have to.
The review makes me want to check out the movie when it finally comes on one of the movie channels — HBO, Starz, etc. It doesn’t appear to be a “rental”.
Interesting that the movie has both Clooney & Bridges in it — both nominated this past Oscar season for other movie roles — but in all the lead up to the Oscars, no mentioned was made about their roles together in this movie.
Thanks for the review. I’ve been curious about the film, and your report is very articulate, so I won’t get my hopes up, but will still probably rent it – just to watch the cast work together.
Thanks for the review. I had actually forgotten about this movie but now I shall put it on my Netflix “Q”. It’s too good a cast to pass up and it sounds quirky enough but those extras sound interesting.
I appreciate your honest review. I will probably see this movie at some time no matter anyone’s review. As I really enjoy looking at George Clooney. LOL!