The Men Who Stare At Goats

Funny thing about George Clooney, he's never really done a "commercial" film outside of the Ocean's trilogy. Sure there was his ill-fated turn Batman, but even that was a bit of a risk given the unpopular post-Burton renormalisation the franchise was going through. For the most part he picks interesting, dare I say, arthouse films. Take for example Good Night, and Good Luck; Michael Clayton; Up in the Air; Syriana and anything with the Cohen Brothers. Yet somehow the man is a true A-List celebrity.

How does he do it? Well obviously unfading good looks help. He's self-deprecating, a little charming and seems like the kind of guy you could have a beer with or a tumble in the sheets with (depending on your preference). He's also a pretty good actor as it turns out.

The Men Who Stare at Goats is a pretty good film, but it's an excellent example of how Clooney can carry something on his own.

The film itself is a little like a Wes Anderson start-up project. By that I mean it's a little nutty, bit crazy, a touch mad, and partly doo-lally, but it's also laced with wry humour both in the dialogue and in the background. It's a little undercooked however almost like the first film from an excellent director who has yet to completely find his own style and rhythm (yes the metaphor comes full circle).

It's all a little confused and not helped by Ewan McGregor and his oft-criticised American accent, however the film has a charm of it's own and there are enough funny moments to keep you occupied looking (and hoping) for more.

Clooney and Jeff Bridges make the film. Their performances are both subtle and slapstick at the same time and they are a delight to watch. Kevin Spacey is alright if a little overblown for a film of this kind.

Don't go in expecting the second coming, but prepared to enjoy a quirky psychedelic ride man.

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3 daisy chains