The Men Who Stare at Goats Review

Messages: Though there's plenty of loopy behavior and manipulation here, the film ultimately wants to emphasize how important it is to believe in yourself and trust your instincts.

Role models: The characters are a flawed, complex group, though most have decent intentions. Bob is adrift in life, and his improbable adventure with Lyn helps him find his path. Lyn seems to have psychic powers, but he feels guilty for a long-past incident in which he was forced to use his powers for cruel purposes. Another character lies and manipulates others to advance his interests.

Violence: Much of the movie takes place during the Iraq War, and heavily armed soldiers and military contractors are involved in brief firefights. Flashbacks to the Vietnam War show combat, and a man is shot in the chest. Two characters are kidnapped at gunpoint. Some hand-to-hand fighting, and one character commits suicide.

Sex: No sex, but some partial nudity, including topless women in hot tubs and naked men seen from behind and at a distance.

Language: Many uses of "f--k" and "s--t," as well as "damn," "hell," "prick," "goddamn," and more.

Consumerism: References to several well-known companies, including Starbucks, McDonald's, and Halliburton.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Several scenes feature drinking and smoking, and some characters take drugs. Two key sequences center on characters tripping on LSD.