Books for Prep | |
 - History better than HollywoodIt really is a fascinating story ... One man sees the opportunity to do what his government won't... arm/train a group of militants to fight an enemy who did the same to us for more than a decade in South East Asia. And in doing so handed the U.S.S.R its worst military defeat. Why we needed so much sex to sell this story, I don't know. Rating:  - 15 minutes are missing from this DVDHaving seen this film in the theater, I was very disappointed to discover several scenes were cut from the DVD version, including one crucial one. The most crucial cut concerned the fact that President Reagan's approval was what released the Stinger missile to the Afghans. Also cut were scenes: Charlie Wilson was sick in the Hospital; his re-elction effort; testing an ineffective missile in Egypt; any more? Anybody know why? (I also suspect that The Princess Bride now currently shown is missing an early scene that was in the theater version, but I can't confirm this.) Rating:  - I really enjoyed Julia Roberts' performanceI really enjoyed Julia Roberts' performance. Overall, this movie is interesting, funny, sharp, and again relevant to the world today. Rating:  - An entertaining movie that doesn't get into the politicsCharlie Wilson's War is about a womanizing, hard drinking congressman who is a liberal democrat but stays conservative enough to continue to be elected. Through his positions on House subcommittees, Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) has the power to authorize funding to the CIA for covert operations. It was a dark time in America with the economy flailing and cold-war nemesis USSR having just invaded Afghanistan. Wilson becomes concerned that nothing is being done to fight the Russians. Through the help of wealthy Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts), Wilson becomes convinced he has to do something. He teams up with Gust Avrakotos (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) to devise a plan to funnell arms and funding to Afghanistan so no one will know the Americans are doing it. Director Mike Nichols has crafted a slick movie. It tells a simple story and goes by quickly. While it has tones of being a drama, this really is a comedy. You never get to know who Wilson really is, other than a man who only hires beautiful women to be on his staff and, when he isn't in Congress, is looking for the next good time. Hoffman received awards and accolates for his performance as the foul-mouthed CIA agent. He was amusing, but to me gave a one note performance. Also, his character seemed hidden behind the bushy mustache and the gaudy sunglasses the entire time. Hanks as Wilson and Roberts are fine, but their southern Texas accents don't ring true. Regardless of your politics, I'd recommend this movie. The movie is one thing, the politics surrounding it are an entire different monster. Thankfully, the film doesn't go out of its way to make a political statement. That would have damaged the movie. Many people may forget just how hated and feared the Soviet Union was back in the 1980s. In hindsight, its obvious to see that America's actions in Afghanistan in the 1980s have played a part in the current world situation regarding terrorism. Many were responsible for ending the cold war and Charlie Wilson played a part, maybe a big part, maybe a small, but that doesn't matter. The movie tells his story. While hinting at the broader implications of Wilson's actions, the movie thankfully sticks to trying to entertain, and it does a very good job. Rating: - Must seeVery good movie, true story so makes it more interesting.. the art of being a politician and how much they can really do. In association with Amazon.com | |