Charlie Wilson’s War: Mixing Gentle Humour and Politics
I’m told that Charlie Wilson’s War has the same writer as The West Wing, and would be ranked alongside a mediocre episode from that series. Knowing that may convince me to give the show a chance. The movie is a based-on-a-true-story (kind of like Fargo was…) retelling of how the first Afghan War was won in secret thanks to the efforts of one Texan senator (played by Tom Hanks). Hanks plays this role well in his typical heart-warming sad-sack style.
One negative is Julia Roberts, who looks a bit like a weird alien and is far too monodimensional. Possibly I’m a bit biased after watching Notting Hill on telly last weekend. The CIA man is an excellent character that gives life to otherwise-dull moments.
The movie manages to maintain a close and personal sense of conspiracy with the main characters trying to effect a change below the radar. I, personally, had some trouble understanding all the words due to the heavy texan drawl employed.
Doesn’t need to be watched on the big screen. Definitely don’t watch it in Odeon’s “premier” seats. One slip and you’ll end up with your knee half way into the back of someone else’s head.
(n.b. There’s a good comparison between the movie and real life located here.)