Worth Watching: The Men Who Stare At Goats Trailer

Posted by Rob Hunter (rob@filmschoolrejects.com) on August 28, 2009

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I’m a fan of happy endings, but more relevant to the post at hand is my appreciation of pleasant surprises. More specifically, don’t you love it when a movie you’ve barely given any thought to releases a trailer that really stands out and makes you laugh? Check out the new trailer for The Men Who Stare At Goats…

I love goofy ass George Clooney. He’s a solid dramatic actor, but (much like Brad Pitt) he’s at his best when he explores the more quirky, smirky, crazy bastard roles. His character here looks to be an extreme example of the weirdo he played in Burn After Reading which can only be a good thing. Ewan McGregor as the straight man is also an interesting choice, and the rest of the cast is equally awesome… Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, JK Simmons… and between this and Avatar the resurrection of Stephen Lang is almost complete.

The official synopsis is below.

Reporter Bob Wilton (McGregor) is in search of his next big story when he encounters Lyn Cassady (Clooney), a shadowy figure who claims to be part of an experimental U.S. military unit. According to Cassady, the New Earth Army is changing the way wars are fought. A legion of “Warrior Monks” with unparalleled psychic powers can read the enemy’s thoughts, pass through solid walls and even kill a goat simply by staring at it. When the programme’s founder, Bill Django (Bridges), goes missing, Cassady’s mission is to find him in this quirky dark comedy, inspired by a real story.”

The “real story” in question can be found in Jon Ronson’s very funny and interesting book of the same name. (I also recommend his book “Them: Adventures With Extremists.”) True or not, what do you think? Looks to be a funny, interesting, and well-acted comedy with a touch of the Coen Brothers to boot.

Enjoy the trailer? Read the book? Thoughts?

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HGMIV

I'm going to see this movie for Kevin Spacey.

And Jeff Bridges.

and George Clooney.

And Ewan McGregor.

And especially JK Simmons.

Hell, I can't think of a reason NOT to go see this movie.

Aleric

I keep waiting for Ewan McGregor to make another good movie, not sure this is going to be it.

mychaleg

i read this book back in January. i can see the biggest difference is that the reporter is actually along for the 'adventures'. in the book he's interviewing different people in the hunt for this jedi mind badass, along the way uncovering all kinds of different crazy military projects. in the book there was enough of a blend of real stuff mixed in (torture practices, sound as a weapon, remote viewing) that you almost go for the ridiculous experiments. almost. it looks here like they're trying to play it more overtly humorous. the biggest tipoff is casting Ewan McGregor as the writer...most likely because he makes a great 'wtf is happening?!' face. although the characters and incidents were absurd and somewhat silly, the book was more biting and dark in tone.

Icarus II

I chuckled when George Clooney says "Jedi warrior" to Obi Wan Kenobi.

kcmasterpiece

I am ashamed that I didn't notice that the first time I saw it...

free online adventure games

looks like some good characters in here!

Worth Watching: The Men Who Stare At Goats Trailer

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