2009 VIP
Jo
Plymouth, MA

Tom Hanks Won the War but Lost My Vote

3 star rating

a Tom Hanks fan, comedy fan, love chick flicks, a fan of engaging movies, apt to fall asleep in the movies, one who doesn't get it a lot
Pros

    Tom Hanks' accent

Cons
    Julie Roberts' role, Jokes may be too sophisticated

DEC
25
2007
To the Point

I'm not a great movie reviewer and only review movies when they are really popular and/or I feel strongly about the movie. Since I feel differently about Charlie Wilson's War than most people I wanted to share my thoughts.

A Closer View

Charlie Wilson's War is based on a true store and is considered a political satire. Would I have looked at the movie differently if I had known that's what director Mike Nichols and writer Aaron Sorkin had in mind? No I'm sure not. There is one telling fact for me that determines the rating scale I give a movie and that's whether it engaged me which is tied into whether I want to go to sleep. Charlie Wilson's War neither engaged me and I really did not only want to fall asleep but I did nod off for a moment or two.

The cast of Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts brought us to see the movie. In my view this was one of Tom Hanks' weakest movies although his accent was good. I felt actually bad for Julia Roberts. After recently watching a segment about older woman getting into television where they have more opportunity (yes Julia is "older") and get meaty roles, we have the beautiful and talented Julia Roberts, also with a good accent, in less than a supporting actress role in spite of her 2nd billing in the credits. In fact Charlie Wilson's (Tom Hanks) assistant, Bonnie Bach, played by Amy Adams, had more screen time and a role that was, in my view, better suited to a female actress than that of Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts).

About the movie without any spoilers

Charlie Wilson's War is about a womanizing politician who is able to change the world during the 1980s. Joanne Herring is very rich and Wilson's on again off again lover. I understand this is a satire and at times was supposed to be funny but this is my review. I thought Herring to be a ridiculous character and don't agree with the positive press the movie is getting. I thought the movie somewhat convoluted which is why it put me to sleep.

Other information

97 minutes
Rated R for nudity and language

Jo's Viewpoint

3.5 stars and I'll recommend it for those who like satire.
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I_thumb_up Charlie Wilson's War is recommended by Jo

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I_comment_shdw24 Comments about Jo’s Review

 


maryellenp wrote on Dec 29, 2007 at 12:08PM

Thanks for the review...

mary ellen

viewkgr wrote on Dec 27, 2007 at 6:50AM

Thanks for the great review. I was looking forward to this movie, after seeing the trailers on tv. Now, I think I will wait til it comes out on DVD and spend a rainy afternoon watching it. That way, if I fall asleep, no harm done. LOL. Thanks.

Jo wrote on Dec 26, 2007 at 11:55PM

In response to joyjoy's comment from Dec 26, 2007 at 12:34PM:

Hi, thanks for reading:) I can see how she would be. In the movie - maybe it was also because it was Julie Roberts who I think (and it seems that other than hubby we're alone on this one;) just didn't pull it off. Perhaps if it had been an actress I didn't know or someone like - I can't think of her name - she won an Oscar for her role as Queen Elizabeth I think - that may have made that particular role better. Honestly we just missed the whole satire thing!! JO

joyjoy wrote on Dec 26, 2007 at 12:34PM

Although I haven't seen the movie I noticed in reviews that Joanne Herring seemed to play a minor role. In reality she was a very important player.

kid-kansas wrote on Dec 25, 2007 at 11:20PM

Not every movie will be liked by everyone and I have been there myself. I have not seen this yet and not sure if I will as the story line is just not really one I like. I have seen the commercials and it has not tugged at me in the way many movies do. Great Review Jo ;-) Ron

4 star rating
"It's entertainment, folks"
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4 star rating
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