D.C. MOVIE GUYS

“Charlie Wilson’s War” is one of the best films I’ve ever seen about American politics.  Based on the non-fiction best seller by the late George Crile, this intelligent and witty film offers a veritable banquet of food for thought as well as plenty of entertainment.  Tom Hanks’ subtle lead performance is one of the movie’s many assets.

Charlie Wilson (Hanks) was a congressman from Texas in the ’70’s and early ’80’s.  A free wheeling gold old boy who knew how to work the system to benifit his district and state, Wilson was always one step ahead of trouble and one step away from a good time.  When the Soviet Unon invaded Afghanistan, Wilson found himself drawn into the confict by his longtime funraiser and mistress Joanne Henning (Julia Roberts>)  A wealthy, conservative broadcaster and activist, Joanne urges Charlie to look into the C.I.A.’s seeming indifference to the rebel fighters.

After meeting with the fighters and President Zia, Wilson is moved to take up their cause.  Using his position on a key committee as a tool, Charlie hooks up with a knowledgeable, but disillusioned C.I.A. analyst nnamed Gust Avrakotos (Phillip Seymore Hoffman) who knows how little is being done to help.

Utilizing his own negoitating skills, Gust’s connections in the arms business and and the power of the budget pen, Wilson literally declares a secret war on the Soviets, supplying the Afghans with everything they need to fight back.  Suddenly, this little know Texas congressman is helping fighters on horseback to bring the Soviet machine to a standstill.

Director Mike Nichols does a superb job of balancing the serious elements of the story with its comic ones, creating an unforgettable, fact based political tale.  Hanks effortlessly slips into the role of Wilson, crafting a portrait of a politician who discovers his conscience when he does the right thing for what, at first, are the wrong reasons.  By the movie’s end, he’s even come to discover the limitations of seemingly unlimited power.

Roberts’ work as a behind the scenes mover and shaker is some of the best of her career.  Phillip Seymore Hoffman nearly steals the film as the worldy-wise Gust.  His final scene with Hanks is touching, funny and errily prohetic, as is much of the film.  “West Wing” creator Aaron Sorkin, who adapted Crile’s book, is a master of making the intracasies of legislating compelling and dramtic and his script does just that with true artistry.

“Charlie Wilson’s War” is the real thing.  An expertly crafted and executed film that delivers o every promise it makes and then some.  And in just 97 minutes to boot.  If only the real politicians could do the same.

MPAA RATING: R for profanity, nudity, drug and sexual content

JOE’S RATING:FOUR STARS.

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