Charlie Wilson’s War
Tom Hanks stars as Democrat Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson in this semi-biographical drama about the CIA’s involvement in helping the mujahadeen defeat the Soviet Union in the 1980’s.
For those unaware of the history, Wilson was a fun-loving, party guy living the good life in Washington. The first scene shows him in a Las Vegas hot tup with naked strippers who are using drugs. A TV broadcast by Dan Rather describes the struggles of the Afghanis which catches Wilson’s eye and sets in motion a series of events that would forever change the cold war. After teaming up with a well-connected right wing socialite (Julia Roberts) and a tough minded rogue CIA agent (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), they are able to increase the defense budget to help the Afghan fighters from $5 million to over a billion dollars.
The movie is short and insightful. There is more humor then I expected and it borders on being a comedy at times. The interactions between Hanks, Roberts, and Hoffman is essential to the movie and showcases their talents in front of the camera. It’s a film that will cater to a sophisticated audience that is looking for smart diaglogue similar to that of another political movie Primary Colors.
Overall I enjoyed Charlie Wilson’s War and felt it to be a nice change of pace to the new releases filled with dumbed down dialogue and over-the-top storylines. While Roberts and Hanks do a great job in their roles, Hoffman steals the show with his portrayal of the CIA agent. The first half of this film is brilliant, while the second seems to tail off and leave a little to be desired. Nonetheless, this is a solid choice to rent or buy and will give you an entertaining night in front of the television that might teach you a thing or two.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Bonus: The DVD has “The Making of” and a piece on “Who was Charlie Wilson?”
This movie was received within one day from Netflix.
