Some compared it to Dr. Strangelove, which, while I can see where they are going, is a gross exaggeration. While many of the scenes are questionable, andhave you wondering, was this real? I would more likely compare it to another of Ewan McGregor’s movies, Big Fish.
The Men Who Stare at Goats is a strange, bizzare trip into the U.S.A’s New World Army. Which was formerley led by Bill Django (Bridges), and enlisted the likes of Larry Hooper (Spacey) and our hero Lyn Cassady (Clooney). Our perspective of the events, and subsequent flashback sequences dealing with the creation of the New World Army, is that of conflicted journalist Bob Wilton (McGregor). All in all, it is a very difficult plot to explain, but not too difficult to watch.
Despite decent acting (especially Kevin Spacey), for some unknown reason, The Men Who Stare falls flat for me. It was, at times, entertaining, but most of the time boring. Which, in my mind, is a deadly sin for a movie. So, now that it is out on DVD, you could try it, but don’t feel bad if you just never get around to it.
Weekday Matinee 