Staring At Capra Aegagrus Hircus

So this is the film based loosely, but not too loosely, on the book by Jon Ronson about the psychic arm of the American military. They are the men of the title, and they just so happen to stare at goats (Yes that’s Capra aegagrus hircus) and try to kill them.

The book is about the use of “New Age” techniques by the US military and how they could apply the paranormal for military purposes. It’s a very good book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The film takes the content of the book, the fun anecdotes and such, and puts them in to what is essentially a buddy/road movie with George Clooney, Ewan McGreggor, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey.

Whilst the film and the book both start in the same place, an army general attempting to pass through a wall, they split there as the film changes the book’s author Jon Ronson for Ewan McGreggor’s Bob Wilton. Wilton is a newspaper reporter who is in Kuwait, trying to cross the border into Iraq. Whilst at the hotel he meets George Clooney’s Lyn Cassady and they go on a mission into Iraq. Laughs ensue as they get into and out of trouble, and the story of the Psychic Spies (Or Jedi as they are often referred to) is old in a series of flashbacks.

The Hollywood side of the plot is fairly predictable, and in parts quite boring, but the flashbacks to the First Earth Battalion and their crazy paranormal activities are just as fun and entertaining as they are in the book, even if the use of the Predator has been somewhat revealed in the trailers.

As you can probably tell I am slightly undecided on where to stand with this film. I enjoyed the book, and as such the “real” elements of the story are what I find interesting and the tacked on Hollywood storyline feels less than satisfying. The satire and dark humour give this film something, but that can feel dragged down by the predictable and boring nature of the story. Although I will admit that I took some enjoyment from Ewan McGreggor being taught how to be a Jedi. The man may not be too happy about being known for that role in that sci-fi series, but he is, and he can’t escape it.

This is a film, and films need to make money, so the hollywood-isation is understandable, and in some ways acceptable, so doesn’t fully detract from the fun that can be had watching men try to kill goats just by staring at them. It made me laugh and I did keep watching to the conclusion, even if I could see it coming like a brightly painted rhino.

fans of the book won’t be too disappointed, and there is a film in there to be enjoyed without looking too hard. So yes, by all means go and see it, and remember, some of it is more true than you may think, or want to think. Including the bit about Barney.

MTFBWY