Charlie Wilson's War (Widescreen)

Having seen this film in the theater, I was very disappointed to discover several scenes were cut from the DVD version, including one crucial one. The most crucial cut concerned the fact that President Reagan's approval was what released the Stinger missile to the Afghans.
Also cut were scenes: Charlie Wilson was sick in the Hospital; his re-elction effort; testing an ineffective missile in Egypt; any more? Anybody know why?
(I also suspect that The Princess Bride now currently shown is missing an early scene that was in the theater version, but I can't confirm this.)

I really enjoyed Julia Roberts' performance. Overall, this movie is interesting, funny, sharp, and again relevant to the world today.

Charlie Wilson's War is about a womanizing, hard drinking congressman who is a liberal democrat but stays conservative enough to continue to be elected. Through his positions on House subcommittees, Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) has the power to authorize funding to the CIA for covert operations. It was a dark time in America with the economy flailing and cold-war nemesis USSR having just invaded Afghanistan. Wilson becomes concerned that nothing is being done to fight the Russians. Through the help of wealthy Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts), Wilson becomes convinced he has to do something. He teams up with Gust Avrakotos (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) to devise a plan to funnell arms and funding to Afghanistan so no one will know the Americans are doing it.

Director Mike Nichols has crafted a slick movie. It tells a simple story and goes by quickly. While it has tones of being a drama, this really is a comedy. You never get to know who Wilson really is, other than a man who only hires beautiful women to be on his staff and, when he isn't in Congress, is looking for the next good time. Hoffman received awards and accolates for his performance as the foul-mouthed CIA agent. He was amusing, but to me gave a one note performance. Also, his character seemed hidden behind the bushy mustache and the gaudy sunglasses the entire time. Hanks as Wilson and Roberts are fine, but their southern Texas accents don't ring true.

Regardless of your politics, I'd recommend this movie. The movie is one thing, the politics surrounding it are an entire different monster. Thankfully, the film doesn't go out of its way to make a political statement. That would have damaged the movie. Many people may forget just how hated and feared the Soviet Union was back in the 1980s. In hindsight, its obvious to see that America's actions in Afghanistan in the 1980s have played a part in the current world situation regarding terrorism.

Many were responsible for ending the cold war and Charlie Wilson played a part, maybe a big part, maybe a small, but that doesn't matter. The movie tells his story. While hinting at the broader implications of Wilson's actions, the movie thankfully sticks to trying to entertain, and it does a very good job.

Very good movie, true story so makes it more interesting.. the art of being a politician and how much they can really do.

I loved this movie. It is very fun from start to finish; and it's even hilariously funny in places. It is one of the most entertaining movies I've seen in a long time. But, more importantly, it tells the true story of an important event in our recent history that many people don't know much about: America's secret efforts to support the Mujahideen resistance forces in Afghanistan during the decade-long Soviet-Afghan war (1979-89). If you have an interest in Cold War history, or if you want to better understand the background behind the current conflict in Afghanistan, you must watch this movie. Tom Hanks does a brilliant job portraying Congressman Charlie Wilson, a colorful Texas Democrat with a reputation for being a playboy and one of the most ineffective members of Congress, who single-handedly orchestrated America's covert war in Afghanistan. Julia Roberts is also spectacular in her role as an outspoken Texas socialite who was the chief lobbyist for America's involvement in Afghanistan. But it is Philip Seymour Hoffman who steals the show with his portrayal of the gritty, curmudgeonly CIA officer who ran the operation in Afghanistan. Other excellent performances come from Amy Adams (as Wilson's assistant), and Ned Beatty (as a senior member of Congress). I will warn you that the movie is rated R: There is profanity throughout, nudity and sexual content in a few scenes, and drug use in a few scenes (Charlie Wilson was a playboy, after all). So, if that sort of thing offends you, please use your own discretion. But, if that doesn't bother you, do yourself a favor and watch this excellent film. It's hard to believe that a true story can be so entertaining, and at the same time so educational.