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CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR

With Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Amy Adams

Directed by Mike Nichols

Co-written by George Crile of 60 Minutes (based on his book), this comedic biopic looks at American congressman Charlie Wilson whose determined efforts and lobbying during the ‘80s Cold War era made it possible for the Afghans to wage a bloody war with the occupying Russians (and their helicopter gun-ships). This was due to a huge chunk of the billions in U.S. defense budget being funneled into weapons acquisition (sent undercover into Afghanistan via Pakistan) – many of which no doubt ended up being used against American troops in the early 2000’s “War On Terrorism” (as was the case with Bush Sr. and his first Iraqi war attempt).
While this is no laughing matter (with a large amounts of Afghans and Russians dying in the conflict), the filmmakers depict Wilson as a good ‘ol boy with a serious patriotic streak, but also a taste for the good life, part of his alliance including a CIA operative and wealthy socialite.
Extras include a featurette shedding light on the real Charlie Wilson.

4 / C
- Paul Blom



1 2 3 4 5 6
A - B
- C



6 - Volcanic
5 - Blistering
4 - Hot
3 - Smolder
2 - Room Temp.
1 - Fizzled
0 - Extinguished

A: Multiple Viewing Potential
B: Deserves Another Look
C: Once Should Suffice

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