The Men Who Stare at Goats

Reporter Bob Wilton (McGregor) is enlightened about a top secret military experiment: 'psychic soldiers'. Lyn Cassady (Clooney) of the New Earth Army is the best of the best: he is trained to read the enemy’s minds, pass through walls, burst clouds and, best of all, kill a goat by simply staring at it. But now Cassady’s mentor (Bridges) has gone AWOL and it is his mission to find him. Wilton decides to tag along for the ride but little does he know that he is about to be part of the strangest battle he ever thought possible…

Based on the book of the same name written by Britain’s own Jon Ronson, this bizarre film has the rare gift of being both hilarious and thought-provoking. But it’s only to be expected from the likes of screenplay writer Peter Straughan who was also behind the hit How to Lose Friends and Alienate People.

With a cast of A-list actors supporting such a fantastic plot, it’s no wonder the film is such a success. New-on-the-block director Heslov is well-known for his relationship with Clooney, having worked together on 2005's acclaimed Good Night, and Good Luck. Clooney himself plays one of the protagonists well, reminiscent of his role in O Brother, Where Art Thou?; his mad dancing in this film is definitely something to look forward to. Kevin Spacey is also back on form as the villain of the piece, bringing his own comic influence to an already amusing story.

A tongue-in-cheek dig at the crazy ideas of the US Military, this film is sure to have you gasping for air between uncontrollable bouts of laughter. Sadly though, there’s not as many goats as you’d expect.

Samilia Ekeocha