Charlie Wilson’s War (****)

If you’re like Meredith, you will assume that a movie titled Charlie Wilson’s War must be a guy movie filled with stunningly graphic depictions of battle on the front lines of some real or imagined war.  Admittedly, there were a few uncomfortable battle scenes, but nothing that would induce nausea.  Rather, this movie was a portrayal of the true story of US Congressman Charlie Wilson’s support of the largest ever CIA covert action which supplied the Afghan mujahedeen during the Soviet war in Afghanistan.

This is a movie worth seeing, both for the acting and the history.  If you’re a history buff like me, you’ll appreciate the additional perspective on current affairs in the Middle East.  Tom Hanks plays Charlie Wilson very well.  Not that I know Charlie Wilson, but Hanks certainly gives you a sense for the person.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Tom Hanks movie I didn’t enjoy.  Julia Roberts is a different story for me.  Though I thought she played her role as Joanne Herring well enough, I’ve never really been a big fan of her as an actress.  Maybe it’s the roles she plays.  I did enjoy Hooters girl turned movie star Amy Adams who played the fictional (I think) character of Bonnie Batch, Wilson’s assistant.  I first remember seeing her in Enchanted, though it’s quite possible I saw her at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater in the Mid 90s.  I have to admit I have a little crush…