Charlie Wilson's War

charliewilsonswar
Originally uploaded by bobbychristian

I just saw Charlie Wilson’s War. In the great scheme of things I don’t know how this makes me feel about politics, but I really enjoyed the film (I now use film because I discovered movie came from move – y like talkie, I say discovered but mean I thought up the idea). Back to my point, I hate movies where characters are depicted without flaws in order to convey a great accomplishment in the best light possible. Charlie Wilson has lots of flaws, and would probably be a great guy to hang out with. While great and interested, do I really relish in the idea of a senator who does blow off strippers and also can aide in the eradication of the Soviet Union. I’m not sure; I’d have to meet the guy before I draw any more conclusions.
Highlights
I’m not big on commenting on the actors in films, but -
Tom Hanks What does he do? He seems like just an ordinary guy. Every time I think of him I think of him laughing loud and jarringly like he did in BIG or Bachelor Party. Somehow he gets these great roles, albeit he doesn’t have a Lear of Hamlet on his resume (I haven’t see Philadelphia though), and is not exciting to watch, but just relaxed and comfortable.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman I thought I would never really get into him again after Capote, but he’s great. He and Tom Hanks make a great pair.
Aaron Sorkin While the actors might have been great, the script was what allowed them to be who they were. Even though I was the only person laughing at parts in the theatre, Aaron Sorkin has this ability to build a frame for a story with comedy and then suddenly the audience is sitting in a drama (how?). The lines were faced paced and minimal, it was only what it had to be to convey the point but full enough to convey many levels at once.
The Story Probably one of the most important modern day stores that I had never heard. It has impacted everyone in the world’s life, but I don’t know anyone who knew the story. (Makes me want to join politics or check digg.com more often.)
The Ending Though this harkens back to the Aaron Sorkin section, just the lightest touch on the final topic and it explains and gives relevance to the Middle East situation as I know it.
Low Points
Julia Roberts’ Body I think Julia Roberts is attractive, I’d even venture hott, but in a panning up, pool exiting, Phoebe Cates shot, she doesn’t have it. From that point on, the on going plot of her as a sex kitten was just a bit less interesting.
Long War Montage I was completely entwined with the plot, surprisingly engrossed with the Afghan struggle, but when dates were thrown at me with statistics for a few minutes I got frustrated because I wanted to treasure the data but it seemed arbitrary. Also, once the kills/hits grew to a certain number, they didn’t grow. I wanted the numbers to keep going. I wanted to see the Afghan Soldiers destroying the Soviet Invasion, but the leveling of the numbers inhibited my celebration. I understand afterwards how the leveling forced me to understand the reality of the situation, but at the time I wanted Hercules not Hulk Hogan.
Overall this movie was great. But above all, the moment I rejoiced with what would later become Alkida and the Taliban over the fall of the first Soviet helicopter, that moment was worth the whole piece.