Film Review

09 January 2009 12:56 BST

Charlie Wilson's War

Directed by Mike Nichols, out January 11th in cinemas, starring Tom Hanks, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Julia Roberts and Amy Adams, running time 97 mins.

In a nutshell…

Charming, political, jovial, anti-Communist, light-hearted.

What's it all about?

In the early 1980s Charlie Wilson, a Texas congressman with a reputation for misogyny, becomes involved in the plight of Afghanistan following its occupation by Soviet forces. Aided by a wealthy businesswoman and a maverick CIA agent, Wilson pursues government funding to covertly supply Afghanistan with the weapons needed to bring down their communist oppressors.

Based on a true story and book by George Crile, this adaptation for the screen, by West Wing scribe Aaron Sorkin, takes a cheery look at one of the most tense and uncertain periods of global history.

Who's in it?

Serial Oscar-nominee Tom Hanks takes the lead role and plays it with the kind of warmth and integrity that has served him well since his transition from eighties comedy fluff such as The Burbs and Splash.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman is impeccable as ever in the role of CIA workhorse Gust Avrakotos and Julia Roberts turns in a brave attempt at southern elegance as the matriarchal Joanne Herring, despite looking like the alien queen from Tim Burton's Mars Attacks.

Enchanted's Amy Adams follows up her stint as a real-life Disney princess by playing Wilson's put upon assistant in a role that asks very little, but is executed with grace and simplicity.

As an example…

"You know you've reached rock bottom when you're told you have character flaws by a man who hanged his predecessor in a military coup." Wilson confides in his assistant Bonnie following his meeting with Pakistani president Zia.

Likelihood of a trip to the Oscars

The critics are already falling over themselves to recommend this film and the buzz surrounding the actors' performances, in particular that of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, should ensure that a host of nominations and accolades will follow over the coming months.

What the others say

"The movie is brilliantly funny, the dialogue sparkles and the wheeling and dealing in Washington, Egypt, Israel and Pakistan are handled with wit and conviction." Phillip French, Observer

"[The film] maintains a cuteness in the face of serious circumstances. The humour is done well, but the serious edge feels somewhat underdeveloped, under affecting." Ross Anthony, Hollywood Report Card

So is it any good?

It is hard to believe that Charlie Wilson achieved what this movie claims without becoming a household name and yet the history books confirm that his contribution to ending the Cold War was as vital as any made by his colleagues or superiors.

For this reason there are some areas of the film that are a little difficult to understand. Firstly, the lighthearted tone of the film somehow betrays the serious subject matter - often scenes skip from witty exchanges to heavier political matters in just a heartbeat.

Although it is hinted that Wilson is something of a womaniser, employing only the youngest, prettiest interns to staff his office and help him dodge accusations of drug use, Teflon Tom Hanks plays the part without really digging up any of these alleged "character flaws". The nature of Charlie's relationship with Joanne is also something which is never really explored leaving suggestions that the congressman led a hell-raising lifestyle 'neither confirmed or denied'.

Following heavier titles such as Rendition and Lions For Lambs, a political thriller with a heart may be just what audiences need. However, although Charlie Wilson's War is an enjoyable piece of cinema, its lack of depth means that it can never live up to the slew of accolades it will inevitably receive.

7/10

Noel Mellor

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