“Charlie Wilson’s War” opened in my local theatre this weekend. I went to a matinee and enjoyed it very much. The movie tells the story of Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson and his efforts to finance covert operations in Afghanistan to help defeat the Soviets who had invaded. The movie feels true enough to change public opinion to believe that the defeat of the Soviets by Afghanistan was the primary reason the Soviet Bloc ended. I have my doubts about that although it certainly was a major factor. The movie runs for ninety-seven minutes but seems shorter. “Charlie Wilson’s War” presents a lighter-hearted view of United States government in general and of the House of Representatives in particular. There are many funny lines and moments. One of the interesting historical facts worth noting is that although President Reagan is often given a good deal of credit for the fall of the Soviet Union, Charlie Wilson, the man behind the efforts was a Democrat, not a Republican. . . . .
. . . Tom Hanks had developed into one of the premiere actors working today. He won back-to-back Best Actor Oscars for “Philadelphia” (1993) and “Forrest Gump” (1994). He has three other nominations for “Big,” “Saving Private Ryan,” and “Cast Away.” I suspect he’ll be nominated for an Oscar for this role. So far this year I’m not sure there are any great male roles. Except for Julie Christie in “Away from Her” there hasn’t been a lot for female leads either.
