The Men Who Stare at Goats

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: After getting dumped by his wife, a journalist (Ewan McGregor) goes to Iraq to write a story that will win her back, and ends up getting the adventure of his life when he meets an eccentric military man from the psychic superpower division (George Clooney). It's somewhat based on a true story.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Ewan McGregor, George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, Stephen Lang, Robert Patrick, Waleed Zuaiter, Stephen Root, Glenn Morshower

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Proceed with Caution. The premise shows more promise than the execution, which has a perfect wacky tone, but leaves you wondering what it was all supposed to be about.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: It is highly reminiscent of a Coen Brothers comedy, only the jokes are a little more laugh out loud. And there are some inside jokes for people who have seen Star Wars... which I guess includes just about everyone.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: Really not at all. Although when you see how they torture the prisoners, you may feel terrible for those poor little terrorists.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Jeff Bridges could finally get that nomination he was passed over for when he played The Dude in The Big Lebowski. This character is pretty much the same, except he doesn't bowl, and he's a Colonel in the military.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Aside from Ewan McGregor sometimes slipping into his Scottish accent, the performances showcase four great actors, each playing the role they do best.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Grant Heslov has clearly been paying attention on set. He doesn't quite have that Coen Brothers' flare, but you can still tell he studied at their school.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: The structure jumps around in both time and place, but is nonetheless easy to follow, thanks to a running voice over by McGregor's character. Unfortunately, while the jokes are good and the characters are special, the story never really draws you in.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-men-who-stare-at-goats/38908/trailers

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Ghost Town

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: Due to a mishap during a colon operation, dentist Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais) dies for 7 minutes. Now he can see dead people, and they all want his help resolving their unfinished business, so they can cross over.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Ricky Gervais, Tea Leoni, Greg Kinnear, Billy Campbell, Aasif Mandvi, Kristen Wiig, Alan Ruck, Dana Ivey, Bridget Moloney, Michael-Leon Wooley

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Go! Even though it's exactly what you'd expect it to be, and you've probably seen something like it before, you will leave the theater smiling. And that's just generally good for all the people who have to look at you.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: It's starring Ricky Gervais... Of course it will!

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: Could do...

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: No, but some people in my theater applauded at the end. Which was surprising, because usually people only clap at the end of pretentious movies... Of course, the clappers soon got embarrassed, and stopped. After which several other people laughed at them. But secretly, I'm pretty sure they wanted to clap, too.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Ricky Gervais is delightful as a "MILH"-- Misanthrope I'd Like to Hug. Nobody can play a hatable jerk in more lovable manner. And Tea Leoni is one of the most talented and underused comedy actresses in Hollywood. Please go see her funny movies, so they'll give her more of 'em.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: There are a couple of moments in the middle of the second act that could be tightened to keep the pace rolling. But considering he's never directed a comedy before, David Koepp does a decent job of making sure all the laughs are on the screen. And that's a skill that sounds easier than it is.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: The setup has a giant "buy," where you are forced to accept that Gervais' character will talk to Greg Kinnear but not to any of the other dead people. The only justifiable reason for this seems to be that Greg Kinnear is the famous guy with the lead role. But if you can overlook that little hiccup, the script goes on to skillfully walk a fine line of on-going double-entendres, which make Gervais' regularly insensitive comments come off as charmingly funny to Tea Leoni's character-- and you totally buy that she would hear the humor in them rather than the bitter place they're actually coming from. This especially difficult task is accomplished not once, but in several long sequence. They were lucky they got Ricky Gervais, or it might not have worked out so well for them.

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