"The Men Who Stare at Goats" just come out on Blu-Ray and DVD a few days ago. Because I am such a Ewan McGregor fan (I mean, the guy doesn't make a bad movie), I had to pick up a copy. Upon watching it, here's what I think.

The fact that it's based of "actual events" is quite cool. The movie in a nutshell is about this guy Bob, (McGregor) a journalist who's been left by his wife for his one-armed editor, who goes out to Iraq to write the greatest story of his life. At a hotel in Kuwait, he runs into another guy, Lyn (George Clooney), who later reveals himself to be a "Jedi Knight". Now, the fact that Ewan McGregor is in a movie with a ton of Star Wars references and Jedi puns is hilarious enough in itself.

The Jedi Knights are a group of special "psychic" army recruits lead by Bill (Jeff Bridges), a hippie-esque overly eccentric commander. They form what is called the "New Earth Army", which fight with their minds and not their weapons. They also stand for good and love instead of violence and hate (think of an army made of hippies). And the plot just thickens and thickens and thickens.

This movie's cast is incredible. The length is perfect; not too short and not too long. Special features are fantastic, including interviews with memebers of the real life New Earth Army. A lot of great jokes. And, a very insightful message, as well as many opportunites for philosophical and metaphorical interrpretation.

If you're looking for an action movie, this movie isn't for you. It's a suedo-documentary comedy that's for food for the mind, not the nerves. Enjoy the wittiness of the script and the great performances of the very talented casts. Don't go in expecting some fluff movie- you really need to pay attention. You might not get it fully the first time. But, in my humble opinion, it's definitely worth an hour or two of your time.

The Men Who Stare at Goats: The True Story of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Baaaaaaah.