The Men Who Stare at Goats

That title? Dynamite. This movie? Well...more like a sparkler; it seems like it'll be fun, but then you start the thing and it just sits there, throwing off the occasional gleam of something good, but never really lighting things on fire. A good cast does perfectly fine work, but they don't have enough good material to really make this flick fly. The biggest takeaway is the idea that a documentary on the movie's germ of truth--weird military experiments into the psychic--would have made for a better, more interesting film.

Flags Of Our Fathers

An unusual mix of reverence and iconoclasm, featuring powerful direction and meticulous reproduction of period details, plus an outstanding performance by Adam Beach as a tormented, not-quite hero. One can see where this film isn't quite everyone's cup of tea; at such a distance in time and temperament, the movie's theme and theory might not generate a response in some. But thoughtful viewers will find a rewarding experience in this work.

Walk The Line

The credits say the co-stars are Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon; the real co-stars are Johnny Cash and his demons. That pair made for a compelling story, and combined with some excellent work from the actors, splendid musical performances, and a well-crafted presentation, the whole bundle makes for an exceptional and entertaining (if lengthy) movie.