Charlie Wilson's War (Widescreen)

In a very entertaining way, this movie manages to educate the viewer on America's first war in Afghanistan. Indeed, the historical/political treatment is not heavy handed, but makes this more than just an entertaining movie about a colorful Congressman (and he is colorful). If you like movies that have some historical connection, but want something that's still light enough to show just for entertainment value, this movie is perfect. And, of course, Tom Hanks does a great job.

I didn't think this would be anywhere near as enjoyable as it is. I really liked it, and found it to be surprisingly good.

This film is an absolute genious of screenwriting, directing and acting. Charlie Wilson is an obscure congressman from Texas whose office is saturated with young female assistants seemingly ditzy but highly loyal to him; he is well connected with people of (financial) means and powerul social network. Charlie is a smart goofball - man who is astute is ways of holding (his political) power, but who also likes to get his share of fun: drugs, girls and a good glass of drink. When Charlie's lover, Texas socialite, becomes interested in stopping Russian invasion in Afganistan, Charlie becomes involved with CIA, Texas political powerhouse players, organizations promoting Middle East self-interest and self-preservation as well as Christian fundamentalist groups. The genious of Charlie's political move is that his initial $5M war game becomes $1B enterprise in a covert war fully funded by the United States and its allies who like to play quietly in the background. Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays CIA veteran agent with such gusto, one cannot take eyes off him while he is on screen. Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts make a pair one can never forget on screen - it is a new kind of brand that we have not seen before or since. Film is humorous and intelligent and moves fast that one does not want it to end ever. It is one of the best political movies I have seen recently. One of those films everyone should have in their personal library. Great, great piece of work about modern day american foreign politics.

Not as funny as advertised - not a belly laugh anywhere - and a bit heavy on the eff word. I rate it at 5 stars anyway, because it presents the U.S. 'clandestine services' role in thwarting the Soviet invasion, and how important that role was. It does a fair job with the casual decadence of the Washington Scene too, and mitigates it with humor. None of the acting roles are particularly demanding, but they are well done.

More than ever it has been interesting to read the very polarized reviews of this movie. It seems many reviewers are not focusing their reviews on the movie itself but more on the politics and how it fits with their own ultra liberal or neo conservative views.

I for one find it very concerning to learn how in a democracy one very flawed character as Wilson can more or less singlehandedly (only with a lot of cash from a pro faith wealthy lobbyist) can swing the US policy towards Afghanistan. Whether this is entirely historically accurate I dont know (and hope not) but that is not really relevant in my mind when reviewing the movie for what it is, a movie.

It is thoroughly entertaining throughout, extremely well acted and particularly Seymour Hoffman's character is brilliant and many of his lines are so outstanding they can carry the movie by themselves.

It is not a movie that will go into history or even make your Top50 of all time but it is excellent well acted entertainment with a twist of "political history 101" attached to it (whether entirely accurate or not).