Rent Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

Charlie Wilson's Irony - Charlie Wilson's War review by CP Customer

I like to imagine some Russian Afghan War veteran watching this and wetting himself laughing at the irony of it all. The Soviets go into Afghanistan to counter the threat of Islamic fundamentalism spreading within their borders and are undermined and ultimately defeated by the clandestine involvement of the USA! Fast forward some twenty odd years and what do we have now? Ironic or what?

Perhaps it was the fact that Afghanistan reminded Congressman Wilson of Texas so much that caused him to fund this covert war. After all they’re both hot and arid deserts, full of dangerous religious fundamentalists where everyone has a gun. Perhaps, as a prequel, we could have Charlie Wilson’s Other War where we see the fun loving statesman funding anti-democratic death squads in El Salvador and Nicaragua as they murder, torture, rape and pillage their way around Central America?

But the film! Ah yes, the film….Sorry. Rant over. It’s actually quite a good film if you willingly suspend your moral objections towards US foreign policy/cultural imperialism. Hanks is good as always and Philip Seymour Hoffman as agent Gust Avrakotos is fantastic. Julia Roberts is annoying but then I think she’s supposed to be. Making a little more of the obvious links between the situation in Afghanistan then and now would have made the film a better, more balanced effort, I think. All in all not a wasted experience. Flawed but worth watching and certainly a good film for generating debate.

Old school - Charlie Wilson's War review by CP Customer

Tom Hanks plays a congressman who enjoys the trappings of his power and having a good time. Nowadays such a politician wouldn't exist at all, or not for very long at best. Yet while living his lavish lifestyle and voting 'yes' when required, he discovers the plight of the Afghan people almost by accident.

Soon led on by the right wing and underlying belief that the red menace still needs to be vanquished. He sets in motion the support that ultimately results in the Russians fleeing the country.

I'm not normally a fan of Tom Hanks, but here he seems to relish the opportunity to play such a maverick politician. Julia Roberts portrays a powerful and influential woman, who only appears when she wants something done. Yet the real performance of the film is from Philip Seymour Hoffman. He takes the role of CIA agent Gust Avrakotos who believes action rather than talking is the only option.

Overall while an enjoyable film, you only feel like this is half of the story and at just under 100 minutes, a little bit more would have been welcome.

An okay movie - Charlie Wilson's War review by BE

Mainly hired this movie to watch Philip Seymour Hoffman - one of America's 'greats' - and he doesn't disappoint. Quite an interesting storyline and well acted by Tom Hanks in the lead role. Understood to be a true story although some parts if it suspend belief. I should imagine that some licence has been taken with this movie and suspect Charlie's character was probably more lacking in personal morality than was presented on screen. Ho hum!