The Men Who Stare at Goats

Directing newcomer Grant Hesloy’s Coen brothers-esque film is highly entertaining, riding the line between comedy and sci-fi drama. Much of the story here is told through small-time reporter Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor), who, after his wife leaves him, decides to try more meaningful journalism in the Middle East. Before he leaves, though, he hears a bizarre tale from a sure nutball about a secret Army unit from the 1970s—the “First Earth Battalion”—dedicated to psychological warfare. In Kuwait, Bob stumbles upon that unit’s star player, Lyn Cassady (Clooney), who eventually tells him about staring at goats (and stopping their hearts) and whatnot. Bob casts aside the actual war and travels to Iraq with Lyn, where they get into a world of trouble on the roads, in search of something Bob isn’t even sure exists while revisiting the now-defunct pscyh unit via flashbacks. Jeff Bridges is a natural as the doped-up leader of First Earth; Clooney puts aside his Rico Suave for a wide-eyed, twitchy oddball; and McGregor is perfect as the naïve confidante. Feather River Cinemas, Paradise Cinema 7 and Tinseltown. Rated R