Users Picks DVD Releases Release Schedule Reviews Smartcine Picks Classics Home MOVIE REVIEW: CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR 12/19/07 Can one man really determine the outcome of an entire war? Congressman Charles Wilson did pretty much that. With the help of a CIA agent and one of the wealthiest women in Houston he lead the most successful covert operation in history. The film begins with Charlie Wilson being honored for his achievements and a flashback to April of 1980. Through the flashback, the story of why he is being honored is told. Charlie Wilson (Hanks) was a bachelor congressman from Texas who had a habit of mixing with the wrong crowd. His approachable friendly exterior, however, masked an extraordinary mind, a deep sense of patriotism, passion, and love for the underdog, and in the early 1980s the underdog was Afghanistan. Joanne Herring (Roberts) was one of Wilson's many female friends. She was deeply rooted in Christianity and extremely anti-communist. She was pretty much the driving motivation and the brains behind the operation. Joanne arranges a meeting with Wilson and the President of Pakistan, where Charlie learns of the atrocities that the Soviets are committing in Afghanistan. Charlie's partner through all of this is CIA Agent Gust Avrakotos (Hoffman), a blue-collar, outspoken, and extremely knowledgeable agent with a dry sense of humor in a company of Ivy League blue bloods. Together, the three of them--Charlie, Joanne and Gust--travel the world to form covert alliances among the Pakistanis, Israelis, Egyptians, arms dealers, and law makers. In my opinion the plot of the movie was great. A little predictable but still great to watch. The film brought you into the story and gave you an inside look of what Charlie Wilson may have felt during this time. The story line is great and is actually quite enjoyable. It is mainly a historical/political movie, but its got its comedy here and there. There is a lot of buzz around this movie and it is well deserved. Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Philip Hoffman give incredible performances. Because of Wilson's persistence, tenacity, and enjoyable character he was able to aid and assist the Mujahideen (Afghan freedom fighters). Funding for covert operations against the Soviets went from $5 million to $1 billion annually. He assisted the Afghans in being the first country to defeat the great Red Army of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This is not a one-sided movie nor does it try to change your mind or force any sort of political propaganda. This film is great for anyone who is somewhat clueless about politics. Not only is it a great portrayal of the Cold War, but it also gives an insight and connection to what is going on in the world today. An incredible cast plus a true story equals a well regarded historic film. Aside from the political standpoint, this movie had it's moments where it tugged at my heartstrings. I enjoyed the aspect of the movie where they showed the horror of what was going on in Afghanistan and the personal stories of each of the citizens. It not only regarded the emotions of the victims, but also the emotions of the politicians. The love and friendships made amongst colleagues throughout the movie was touching. It made you realize that politicians really do have feelings! Above all I truly enjoyed this film. It wasn't a film that I was really dying to see but the all-star cast attracted me to it. I'm glad I chose to see it, because it taught me about American history painlessly, and although there were some moments in there where I felt a little confused (considering I'm not much of a political enthusiast), it really was a great portrayal of one of the most pivotal points in American History. Review By Luca MORE MOVIE REVIEWS >>>   People Movie Review Charlie Wilson's War   Rehman Khilji 60 Tom Hanks, well an actor whose movies shouldnt be missed. But the movie is a bit far from reality. Julia Roberts, well she was wasted in the movie, seems more like a guest apperance. Could have dont better! but not bad for a watch. Submit Your Movie Review  Name: Movie:   Rating: None 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Review:     SMARTCINE.COM Director:  Mike Nichols Writer:  Aaron Sorkin (Screenplay)                George Crile (Book) Genre:  Drama Duration:  1hr 37mins Staring:  Tom Hanks                  Julia Roberts                  Philip Seymour Hoffman                  Amy Adams                  Ned Beatty Producer: Tom Hanks                Gary Goetzman Distributor: UNIVERSAL pICTURES Rating:  R for strong language, nudity/sexual                content and some drug use Release Date:  December 21, 2007 OFFICIAL WEBSITE View trailer SOUNDTRACK CRITICS REVIEWS & SCORES VARIETY >> 90 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY >> 78 HOLLYWOOD REPORTER >> 90 ROLLING STONE >> 75 Home | DVD | Advertising |  Press Kits submissions | Publishing All movie titles, pictures, etc... are registered trademarks and/or copyrights of their respective holders Copyright ©2007 The Entertainment Report Group