Review - The Men Who Stare at Goats

The Men Who Stare at Goats is a movie directed by Grant Heslov and is based off a book by UK journalist Jon Ronson. It tells the story of a journalist named Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) who is dragged down in life by the recent event of his wife running off with someone else. To help deal his feelings of worthlessness he decides to go off and report on site in the recent war in Iraq. During his time there he comes across Lyn Cassady (George Clooney) and soon learns the almost unbelievable story of the US military involvement in remote viewing (aka "psychic spies"). Bob soon gets caught up with Lyn on his "mission" in Iraq. And long the way, mostly through backstory, we meet some rather interesting characters including Bill Django (Jeff Bridges) and Larry Hooper (Kevin Spacey).

This movie has a very original story-line. I don't think there has ever been a movie quite like it. It's just the right length and the acting is very good. It's not a true comedy but does have many funny moments to it. I especially liked the main message: that someone who thinks they are down and out in life can bring themselves up and find their true destiny and place in life. The ending was suburb and very symbolic of this.

For those who may be concerned about the 'R' rating, I wouldn't be. It's just about a PG-13. It may be the drug references that give it a 'R'...I don't know. Also this is a definite must see for any and all hippie Star Wars fans that like the band Boston.........GO NOW!!

Dual Review: 2012

By now everyone has heard that on December 21, 2012 something is going to happen. Unfortunately for us 2012 has already arrived....

2012 is a classic disaster movie that follows Jackson Curtis and Adrian Helmsley. Jackson is a part time writer/limo driver. Adrian is a geologist who through a series of events realizes that the earth is going through dangerous changes. Throughout the movie we follow both of them as their varied paths inevitably criss-cross and eventually join.

Jared's Take: 2012 delivered what it promised. Lots of action, destruction and mayhem. What I didn't expect from it was the human element that it displayed beautifully. There were actually moments that made me feel like crying, no tears were shed though. I was shown the full range of emotions that humans exhibit. The acting was very well done and never felt over the top.


The main complaint that I have about the film is that it was two and a half hours long. I believe that some scenes could have been cut out and it would have not created any continuity issues. Another issue I have with the film is that I never really felt as if the cast was in mortal danger. I don't know if it was the CG or whether or not the acting was not as great as I thought.


Allan's Take: In spite of all the action and the world coming apart, my favorite thing about this movie was the story that takes place between Jackson and his estranged family. (Although we already saw this in Speilberg's War of the Worlds, 2005). Furthermore it was interesting seeing people from different backgrounds and cultures coming together to save the single human race. Even when it would have been easy not to.

On the negative side I didn't think the CGI efx were nearly as good as they could've and should've been. Much of the action seemed a bit too cartoonish for me. Also this wasn't a great big monumental film like I thought it would be, based on the early promotion we saw in the theatres. I also felt the movie was a bit repetitive at times and could probably have been about a half hour shorter than it was. It kinda seemed like they were forcing it into being a 2 hour 38 minute movie.

Jared's Rating: Although the movie was entertaining, I don't think I would be in such a rush to watch it again. Unless you just have to find something to kill three hours with......RENT IT.


Allan's Rating: 2012 wasn't quite as good as I was hoping it would be but it was still pretty good...RENT IT.

Dual Review: The Fourth Kind

The Fourth Kind is a movie that tells the story of Dr. Abigail Tyler. She is a mental health doctor that is conducting a sleep disorder study in the town of Nome, Alaska. Since this film is based on "actual events", "real evidence" is shown and heard along with the film. As the film progresses we soon learn that what is occurring may not be a simple sleep disorder. As the film's title implies people in Nome may be being visited by beings not of this world.

Allan's Take: Due to the nature of this film and my response to it, it's best for me to divert from the format we've been using for the last several reviews....I have never been disturbed by a movie before. This one did it. This came from the scenes that were not recreated but actual video/audio recordings from hypnosis sessions. It's more than listening to people talk. The skeptic argument that hypnosis can cause "false memories" doesn't get it done here. Here are some things that happened in the theatre: A) crying B) people leaving feeling ill and/or uncomfortable. People who responded in this way included the younger guys who were there to act stupid. I have never witnessed anything like this in a theatre.

Jared's Take: I believe this film was very well executed. Although the film starts off slow, you really are sucked into the film. The "evidence" is woven into the film seamlessly. The acting was very good and it added to the realism. With all of that said I must warn you, there are elements of this film that are very disturbing. This is the first film that I have sat and watched in the movie theater, in which I found my hand creeping up to my face to cover my eyes. I resisted covering my eyes though and watched the entire film. After the film was over I found that I was highly creeped out. Even now as I write this review I am on edge. This is a film of the rarest kind, it appeals to your emotions and makes you really think.

Allan's Rating: I cannot rate this movie/documentary. It's perfectly made and put together. They accomplished everything they set out to do. But I can't tell people to go see this movie. This subject matter is not for everyone for a variety of reasons. If it's for you then GO NOW but if not then you probably aren't ready for it.

Jared's Rating: This is one of the best films that I have seen all year. If you are interested in ufology in any way, shape, or form this movie is highly recommended. If you can handle the highly disturbing elements that are shown and heard I say.............GO NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!