Review of The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009) by James D — 06 Aug 2012

The Men Who Stare at Goats is an idiotic film. Yet it is one of the most entertaining experiences that I have had at the movies in several months. There may be scenes that border upon absurdity - if not completely embracing the concept - but they suit the theme of the film. Also, is a story about a Psychic unit in the United States Army more absurd than what has actually happened in Iraq?

Two U.S. Army contracts open fire on each other spontaneously, injuring a dozen Iraqis. Does this truly differ from how the war has unfolded? Massive collateral damage matched by massive profits by private companies. An entire unit undertakes wasteful and ridiculous endeavours. Is that idea far removed from how the country with the worldâ(TM)s largest debt manages itself? Millions of dollars with no real results.

Technically, this is a flawed film. A found that it was spatially inconsistent and poorly lit. Direction was lacking. Most of the actors did good work but some seemed to have mailed in their performances. This script should have been produced by the Coen brothers but they likely thought that it was quite similar to Burn After Reading.

Both works prove to be largely functional satires of Post-9/11 politics that occasionally miss the mark. Still, the audience seemed to enjoy themselves and sometimes you need to have fun at the cinema.