Review of Charlie Wilson's War (2007) by Milka P — 03 Sep 2009

They don't make them like this anymore. Intelligent, highly erudite, and political in a way the makes for a fascinating history lesson of Operation Cyclone and a contemporary warning of quick fix stop-gaps.

Strangely light touch for such sombre background material - mostly welcome though. Even though the Russians after treated with the cartoon-villainy shallowness of Rambo 2, and the final vanquishing slaughter is little more than the thrill of watching a violent video game score, most of these curious forays are forgivable in the light of Sorkin's exquisite dialogue and "walk and talk" scene structure - never (outside of his West Wing maybe) has such hefty exposition been delivered with such brio.

The plot can't maintain its second act momentum, and Nichols' direction has relatively little of the youthful experimentation (ie: balls) of The Graduate, but there's some cool flourishes, and his liberal sensibility hits the target (market).

Yet this is Hanks' show, and - aided by the ever-brilliant PSH - he lifts his game to present one of the most fun, interesting biographical characters of late. The earlyish scene when Charlie and Gust meet is a joy to behold - two actors at the top of their game.

Intelligent, interesting fun.