Movie Review: Charlie Wilson’s War
“Charlie Wilson’s War” is the admirable story based on the real life political work of the hard partying, charming Texas congressman Charlie Wilson. The movie has its light comic moments but really this is a study of the relationships forged during Wilson’s covert operations to provide weapons for Afghanis to fight the Russian occupation of Afghanistan. The war budget starts small and expands as Wilson gets the U.S. more involved with defeating the Russians.
If you were a fan of the television show “The West Wing” you will enjoy the political banter in this movie. The focus is politics and there is plenty of it, this is not the type of movie to sit and zone out on while watching. The action takes place within the dialogue. The real Charlie Wilson is a flawed and beloved person and Tom Hanks channels him effectively in the movie in another of his great performances. Phillip Seymour Hoffman as CIA agent Gust Avrakotos is the polar opposite of Wilson. Hoffman is the best thing about this movie, an outstanding performance and a powerhouse on the screen. Julia Roberts gives one of her better performances as the socialite who persuades Charlie to help the Afghani people. I have to say I’m not a big fan of her acting, but Roberts does a good job here. Amy Adams is solid in her role as the all important assistant to Charlie Wilson.
An excellent script by Aaron Sorkin and fine direction by Mike Nichols make this a film for those who like real content in their movies.
2007. Directed by Mike Nichols. Written by Aaron Sorkin. Starring Tom Hanks, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Julia Roberts and Amy Adams.
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