Rama’s SCREEN

I don’t care if writer Aaron Sorkin did mushroom back in the day because whatever he’s on now, it sure is working. CHARLIE WILSON’S is a political satire that’s a breath of fresh air. This true life story could’ve been made into an emotional drama but Aaron’s light take on turns it into an entertaining movie, something that makes you… think and at the same time it doesn’t give heavy pressure on your chest. This is based on a book, based on a true story, and Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation ought to be awarded.

Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) is a Texas congressman who likes to party and have fun. One day he watches Dan Rather segment on TV and becomes inspired to help the Afghanistan Mujaheddin fighter fight the Soviets invading their country. With the help of a wealthy anti-communist lady Joanne (Julia Roberts) and a CIA operative that finally gets another break, Gus (Philip Seymour Hoffman) they plan a covert operation and get the funding to help Afghans shoot down Soviets helicopters.

Excellent acting, great job all of the actors involved in this movie. It must’ve been a smooth ride to get this production done with people who are masters at what they do, including the great director Mike Nichols (The Graduate, Closer).
I remember Philip Seymour Hoffman as that dude from Along Came Polly and now he’s a powerful force to be reckon with. He truly is one of today’s best character actors.
My favorite part of CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR has got to be the scene where Gus (Hoffman) made his argument speech against his CIA superior that ends with Gus breaking the office window.

Charlie is a boozer and a womanizer but this movie tells us that even if you have a reputation, even when you do something that give others excuse to discredit you, that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to do anything good anymore.
He takes the scandal that’s allegedly put on him and uses it as a cover while him and his friends are planning plans to change the world.
The story’s got humor, not crude Judd Apatowish humor, but more like effective sarcasms here and there, punch lines about espionage, two cultures and different ideologies mocking each other in a hush-hush manner, the scene where Gus had to enter and exit the office repeatedly, simple funny, light humor.

Now some might say that this is another Hollywood liberal movie and some might even say that Charlie Wilson’s operation is the reason why Afghans are so well-funded and that has made them capable of making 9/11 happen.
I’m not a political person, just a movie buff, but I’ll say this… I would watch the movie CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR over Lions for Lambs any time.

* Place the cursor on the picture below to check my grade for this film

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