The Men Who Stare At Goats

The Pitch: Based on a non-fiction book by UK writer Jon Ronson, this is the “60% true” story of a secret division of the US military trained in psychic powers after the Vietnam War. These “Jedi warriors” were taught how to pass through walls, burst clouds, read the enemy’s mind, and even kill goats simply by staring at them.

The Highs: The winning, wholly enthusiastic four leads: Clooney, channelling his Coen Brothers shtick, as Lyn Cassady, the most gifted of the psychic spies; Jeff Bridges, back in Big Lebowski mode, as the secret army unit’s new age hippy chief; Spacey as Clooney’s bitter rival; and McGregor as the journalist investigating the New Earth Army and, essentially, Clooney’s straight man.

The Lows: Jettisoning some of the darker elements present in Ronson’s book in favour of something altogether more light and frothy, the script effectively runs out of gas about two-thirds in, but that scarcely matters since the gags come thick and fast. And, for the most part, are really funny.

Final thoughts: An often highly amusing comedy in the vein of Catch 22 and Dr Strangelove, this lively satire looks destined for future cult status. Great soundtrack, too.