Review of The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009) by Cliff G — 27 Mar 2011
A small town reporter attempting to prove himself by becoming a war correspondent in Iraq stumbles across a self-proclaimed "psychic warrior" and accompanies him on his quest to find his mentor.
The men Who Stare at Goats reminded me very much of a Soderbergh movie; not only because of the mix of a quality cast, offbeat intrigue and attractive visuals but also because of the fact that it's more than a little guilty of putting style over substance.
Mildly reminiscent of the hippie war films of the late 60s and early 70s, it's consciously surreal and humorous approach actually makes for a few genuinely funny moments and the excellent cast make for a very likeable bunch of cranks and nut jobs.
The likes of Catch 22 however used humour to make veiled and insightful comments on the absurdity of war and the human condition that this film really lacked; it is always enjoyable and amusing, but it never really seems to have anything to say and the story doesn't really go anywhere.
As a whole it's an entertaining little diversion but I couldn't help the feeling that it could (and should) have been so much more.
This review of The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009) was written by Cliff G on 27 Mar 2011.
The Men Who Stare at Goats has generally received mixed reviews.
Was this review helpful?
