The Men Who Stare at Goats (R, 2009)

Inspired by journalist Jon Ronson's same-named book, THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS is absurdly entertaining, with beautifully rendered scenery and moments small and big filled with quirk and wit. But, like a raconteur who entertains but never quite gets to the point, this comedy doesn’t, either. Clooney clearly can make any material seem appealing, and with McGregor in the mix, too, how can you go wrong? But the film ultimately feels aimless and doesn't quite get it right -- it seems to be working toward some sort of grand message about peace in wartime or fighting with the mind and not with weapons, but it never quite arrives

Or maybe it really is just about outsiders within the military who make it their own -- with a hefty dose of help from every other New Age movement. (It also milks the Jedi jokes too much. We get it: Obi-Wan in Iraq.) As a character, Bob is particularly problematic, as he’s set up to undergo some kind of transformation. But does he, really? Unfortunately, you're never quite sure. There’s nothing to hang on to, no through line to lead viewers to the payoff.