Attention George Clooney fans. If you're looking for the gravitas of "Good Night, and Good Luck" for your next date night, don't look here.
"The Men Who Stare at Goats" is not the kind of movie you will long remember after you leave the theatre. You probably won't quote lines from it at cocktail parties to look smart, or chat up its deeper, human implications to broadcast your social conscience.
But, while you are there sitting in that darkened theatre, George Clooney and company will keep you vastly amused.
Starring as a former member of a covert U.S. military unit, Clooney's crackpot antics are brought into the light of day by intrepid reporter Ewan McGregor.
McGregor's character is seeking that one big scoop that will put him back on top. He hits the jackpot when he learns of a secret military sect that uses mind-bending paranormal techniques to annihilate America's enemies.
For unit leader Jeff Bridges, these psychic warriors telepathically walk through walls (well, not exactly).
They turn their beady little laser orbs on innocent goats to perfect their killing skills (only one goat actually gives up the ghost).
It's all so absurd at times and over-the-top.
Trust me. You won't care.
Calm, cool and collected, Clooney valiantly leads his new, na�ve partner through endless deserts, villainous attacks, machine gun fire and yes, sheds of goats.
Think of Abbott and Costello fighting the good fight in khakis. That sums up the direction Clooney and McGregor take this romp.
Do we care that Clooney's famous cloak of invisibility never works once throughout this fast-paced caper? Not really.
Does it matter that Kevin Spacey, Clooney's arch rival, adds about as much terror to this story or to this mean, lean psychic killing unit as Herbie the Hamster?
Not one bit.
Grant Heslov's farcical groovster ode brings one point home: War is senseless.
For that alone, plus the wide array of '60s ponytails and hippie facial fuzz that Clooney and Bridges wear so well, "The Men Who Stare at Goats" is one tall tale worth the price of admission.
Two and half stars out of four
