Iffy for 15+
Loopy war comedy's offbeat humor may appeal to teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this offbeat war comedy based on the same-named book by Jon Ronson could be a magnet for teens intrigued by both the loopy humor and stars George Clooney and Ewan McGregor. Drug use -- presented in a humorous context -- plays a key role in a couple of significant scenes, which means that if your kids see it, a good talk about drugging might be in order. There's also drinking and smoking, some fighting and war-related violence, a fair amount of swearing ("f--k," "s--t," and more), and brief partial nudity (topless women and men's buttocks).
- Families can talk about the movie's timeliness. With wars going on in Iraq and Afghanistan, check in with your kids about how satirizing combat comes across. What do your kids think?
- The movie is clearly satirical, but is there a kernel of truth amid the jokes? If so, what is it?
- The movie is supposedly based on a true story. Do you think it's believable? What do you think might have been changed in the course of making the movie? Why would filmmakers adjust the facts?
The good stuff
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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.
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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.
What to watch for
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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.
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Sex: No sex, but some partial nudity, including topless women in hot tubs and naked men seen from behind and at a distance.
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Language: Many uses of "f--k" and "s--t," as well as "damn," "hell," "prick," "goddamn," and more.
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Consumerism: References to several well-known companies, including Starbucks, McDonald's, and Halliburton.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Several scenes feature drinking and smoking, and some characters take drugs. Two key sequences center on characters tripping on LSD.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
The Men Who Stare at Goats. Grade: B-minus. (Based on advance VIP press preview - Thurs. 11/5) by MOVIES REVIEWER
Grant Heslov directed this 1.5hr comedy that was based on journalist/author Jon Ronson's 2004 book of the same title which chronicled Ronson's investigations into the U.S. Army's attempts to use psychic abilities.
This wacky satire starred George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, Robert Patrick, and Stephen Lang - a competent cast that turned in wonderfully hilarious amusing performances that began with Stephen Lang trying(with dire consequence) to run through a wall.
From then on the witty whimsical laughs just kept piling up with each scene more amusing, incredulous and outrageous than the previous. Honestly, I am STILL chuckling as I recall a few of the bizarre antics and rib-tickling scenes. Jedi-jokes aplenty - w/ Ewan keeping a straight face.
Decent production values, moderate pacing plus minimalist plot and multiple flashbacks helped gel this eccentric movie.
VERDICT:
If you enjoy satires and farcical movies, this is a gem you MUST SEE.
5
The Men Who Stare At Goats by hoodle
What a delightful and humorous movie. These great actors show such a wonderful, funny side of themselves. We loved it!
5
Funny, Crazy and since I actually researched this for years....right on the money! by pdxlad-mfp
I have read and researched so many accounts of the real Psy groups in the Military and much of the story was funny and eerily accurate.
Ewen and George are really awesome and play the part in a funny and crazy way. Our audience laughed out loud allot during the movie. It doesn't help to be a little metaphysical to get the points and chuckle along with this funny tale.
It takes a tad more 'skewed' personality like me to get the hidden jokes and of course see the real comparisions.
Peeps who do not like it obviously haven't researched or studied the original stories 'just don't get it'.
5
people expect way too much out of movies by pennypumpkin
I went into this movie not expecting much but i actually laughed hard at some points. I'm not even a big Clooney fan but i thought he was hilarious. Honestly, reading these reviews makes me really wonder about people and why they expect so much out of movies. Can't people just enjoy themselves and have good time? Why does everything have to be so serious and deep all the time? Anyway i really liked this movie, because i like to laugh and i enjoyed the subtle humour.
1
Very Disappointed by michaelmuncy
I went to this movie thinking that between Clooney, Spacey and McGregor I would find a movie that would prove to be interesting at least. I was wrong. Big time stinker. I am a pretty avid movie goer and this film just didn't make any sense at all. I am not sure what interesting points they were trying to make. I literally said, 'That was awful!' when the credits rolled.
This is the only movie I genuinely felt like asking for my money back. This movie is only for those with a very odd sense of humor. If you consider yourself even somewhat of a normal person, run the other way. Read how many reviews say over and over again about walking out or wanting their money back. Where there is smoke, there is fire!
5
Don't Eat the Eggs by careful_watcher
This movie is based on a book that took some liberties with the sketchy facts known about army psych-out units. The first rate cast gets a chance to have some fun with outlandish locations and situations. The flashback techniques take a little getting used to, but the combination of cleverness and just plain Marx Brothers silliness is imaginative and entertaining. This is a well-written parody with a heart, not for anyone looking for an action movie, a military expose or the "paranormal." Especially fine work by Clooney and McGregor. Oh, and the goats.
1
Liberal propaganda... not funny! by Dog Musher
Maybe they should have concentrated on a comedy and not a thinly veiled attempt to to slam our troops and former president. What a waste of time and money not to mention the fosil fuel I burned driving to the theater. I have never written a review for a movie before but was sickened after watching this movie and felt compelled to do so. i used to be a Clooney and Bridges fan, but no more.
5
Much better than the reviews led me to believe by badscene21
After reading the reviews, I almost waited for the dvd. Im so glad I didnt listen to most of you. This was a very well put together movie. True its not a knee slapper, but that was not the intention. If you have any sence of humor and just a few brain cells left (meaning you have built a tolerance for the drugs you took before entering the theatre) you will love this flick. Go see it, trust me.
1
Five Word Review by julesgeo
funny for first 20 minutes
4
I did more than stare. by Ruhyman2
If you have a sense of humor that may be considered a little "off center," this is a movie for you. I laughed out loud, hard, on more than a few occasions. The story seemed a bit far fetched (it being based on actual events and all) but, I'm sure that anything is possible. The actor's performances are what you may assume they would be. Overall, I enjoyed myself and will purchase the DVD when it comes out.