Review
Anti-war satire thrills viewers
November 13, 2009
Falcons, I don’t even need to see this movie. Nope, and I know what you’re thinking but seriously, I don’t. I already know in my heart of hearts, in the depths of my soul, in the deepest chasm that is my very being, that this motion picture, this glorious piece of cinematography, this brilliant and shining work of picture entertainment will be the best of the best.
Why? Let me put it out there for you in two of the simplest and most beautiful words I know: George Clooney. I have to thank my co-reviewer Ken Weigend for this one, for there is no debate tonight on what we will view this weekend-there is only me, Ken, an hour and a half, and a love for a man that knows no bounds. Oh, what a night it will be…
Twelve hours later…
OK, I might have been wrong. It might have been necessary to see the film. Necessary only because I feel obligated to tell you that some things in this world are just meant to fit together: cheese and macaroni, peanut butter and jelly, rice and roni, George Clooney and goats…
That’s right. If you haven’t guessed already, the film in question was Grant Heslov’s, “The Men Who Stare at Goats.” Based on some form of truth from someone’s life, the movie is about journalist Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor), who after being left by his wife for his editor makes a decision to do some serious investigative writing near the Iran/Iraq border.
Though attempting to escape the life he had back in Ann Arbor, one particular story seems to follow him. Before leaving, Bob was asked to interview a town eccentric that claimed during the 70’s he was involved in a military operation that trained him to use psychic powers as a weapon during the war.
Writing him off as unbalanced, Bob continued on his journey only to run into Lyn Cassidy (George Clooney), a fellow eccentric and psychic soldier. Together, Bob and Lyn uncover an old secret about Operation Jedi and the new direction it’s beginning to take within the middleeastern conflict.
Also starring Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges, ‘Goats’ is a movie with by far the most unique look at how to find personal peace during times of war.
Undeniably interesting, and seriously funny, “The Men Who Stare at Goats” takes on a lofty subject and recaptures it into something both entertaining and thought provoking. While obviously, I’m bound by love to find George’s performance the best, Jeff Bridges came in as a close second, portraying a love and excitement only a child of the 60’s and 70’s could bring. This, along with the eclectic music selection and realistic look at the subjects that influence us all today, makes this movie a perfect alternative for anyone who is fed up with the Rendition- Esque. format of current wartime film.
Well, I have to admit; I feel its all downhill from here. How can anyone expect to top a guilt free wartime movie, which not only is funny, but also has one of the most beautiful men on the planet in it? Answer: you can’t.
Katie Heaton is a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.