Review of Charlie Wilson's War (2007) by Steve B — 20 Dec 2009

Unlike so many "based on a true story" stories that get Disneyfied, this has enough ugly truth in it to make it poignant, while also providing comic relief and genuine entertainment in a short period. Let's face it, most movies of the aforementioned genre run 2+ hours, while this one comes in well short of that.

While Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are the BIG the names above the title, there are three other stars here that make them look good. First off is Philip Seymour Hoffman. When he is on the screen, the scene is electric.

Second, the Aaron Sorkin screenplay sings. Pulling it together is our third star of the game, director Mike Nichols. It is one thing to have the pieces of a puzzle or the notes to a symphony, but director Nichols made everything work and flow.

Well worth seeing.