The fascinating true story of Texas congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) whose efforts, with the assistance of a CIA operative (Philip Seymour Hoffman in an Oscar nominated performance) and a wealthy socialite (Julia Roberts) provided support and weapons to Afghan rebels against the Soviets in the early 1980s. With generous doses of humor, director Mike Nichols and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin provide an unusual backdrop and assortment of characters than your usual Washington D.C. stories. Hanks' congressman is a womanizing boozer as well as recreational drug user while Roberts' politically motivated socialite is a hard drinking, born again Christian not above casually climbing into bed to get what she wants. The real Charlie Wilson (who died about three years after the film's release) had no objections to how he was portrayed, how could he? It was a matter of record. Though the film's end downplays the ramifications of our abandonment of Afghanistan (until 9/11 brought us back), the film is a perceptive yet irreverent look at covert politics and activities. With Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Ned Beatty and John Slattery.
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