CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR

A womanizing, socializing and boozing congressmen leads a covert war effort against the Soviet Union in Mike Nichols dramatic comedy, CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR. Tom Hanks is the title character, a Texas congressman who loved booze and women as much as he did his country. Following a trip to Afghanistan, where Afghans were being invaded by the Soviet Union, and being a member of the Defense Appropriations Committee, Wilson saw an opportunity and a need to stop the invasion. He enlisted the help of CIA officer Gus Avrakotos, played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who helped to lay the groundwork for the Afghans defense.

CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR has many similarities to Mike Nichols most recent political, dramatic comedy, PRIMARY COLORS. Both are funny and colorful portraits of womanizing politicians, one’s which struggled with their personal lives, but believed strongly in their causes. Another similarity between the two would be the liberties Nichols takes with the historical accounts. PRIMARY COLORS was under attack by the left for its depiction of former president Bill Clinton, and now conservatives are upset with the arguments against the Reagan Administration. I tend to believe both sides have a legitimate beef. That said, CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR is an engaging slice of entertainment. Hanks is wonderfully sleazy and funny in a role that marks a return to his comedic roots, Julia Roberts, as socialite Joanne Herring, is equally effective playing off-type and Hoffman is deliciously salty. Despite being drenched in the political landscape, these three actors liven up the material, and make Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay work.

Grade: B