Charlie Wilson’s War

Ok, so it’s not for kids.  I think there are political, social and moral messages hidden in here somewhere (the not so subtle quote at the end of the movie is a reminder).   And I am not sure that this film portrays America in a great light overall.

But damn was this movie entertaining.   I thought Tom Hanks played his role perfectly, but Philip Seymour Hoffman stole the show.   The scene in which he is arguing with his boss and breaks his window (again) had me laughing out loud.  Later in the film, he again steals the scene from Hanks as he’s ushered in and out of the congressman’s office and ultimately confesses to planting a listening device on the bottle of scotch he brought with him.

The casting overall was excellent – from the girl’s in Wilson’s office, to the other members of congress, to the foreign dignataries – just enough of a real feel while still providing comic sensibility. 

I rarely see movies that I think I probably won’t like and then I do – but this is one of them.  I don’t know why, but this movie never really seemed to interest me.  Perhaps it was the subject matter.  However, after seeing it I can say it will be on my “watch again” list.

4 out of 5 stars.  Check it out.