Charlie Wilson's War

[Albereth]

Based on a true story. Covert ops in Afghanistan leads to the destruction of the communist invaders and the Cold War is won. Very funny. Has a go at the Jews and the Muslims and the Christians, the Israelis, the Egyptians, the Saudis and the Pakistanis. Not in a bad way but that they are all united in hating the evil empire.

[senorblinky]

I heard that this is Phillip's best performance yet, i am really looking forward to seeing this.

How is old Hanksie? He's getting old, and he doesn't look like he's aging gracefully, how was his performance?

[Flatty]

...he doesn't look like he's aging gracefully...

I think he's not looking TOO bad considering he'll be 52 years old this year. One of only 3 actors to have 7 consecutive $100 million dollar block busters, with all of his movies grossing over $3 billion at the box office.

Maybe I am getting a tad touchy about the age issue? Actually I wish I was 15 years younger then I'd really be dishing the pOOnage on BF2

How does one age gracefully? Nip 'n Tuck?

I read about this movie in the Sunday Times & apparently Charlie Wilson is one of the major reasons we live in the world we do today.

I DEFINTELY want to see this one.

[doobiwan]

Hmm, am I the only person who has to wonder about the irony of a movie that glorifies the American involvement in Afghanistan that lead to the creation of Al Qaeda!?!?

[Albereth]

Hmm, am I the only person who has to wonder about the irony of a movie that glorifies the American involvement in Afghanistan that lead to the creation of Al Qaeda!?!?

It doesn't glorify it at all - and maybe that's the point. As the zen master says "We'll see"

What it shows is how a senator whose only achievement had been being elected manages to get covert funding just so he can get some. It then takes on a whole life of its own.

And the CIA are thrilled because it means they get funding.

It also shows how different idealogies and religions can overlook problems they have with each other. The irony is that they do this to kill other people, whereas they could be doing it to achieve peace.

It also carries a message for modern US/Iraq issues. You can't just say "Mission accomplished" and think the world will be fine.

[Albereth]

Phillip's (now that we are on first name terms) performance is brilliant. Dry humour - so not American. Some brilliant lines too.

Tom looks pretty good. His performance is great and he has some funny lines too.

Funniest scene: Hanks has demanded that a CIA deputy director or above comes to see him. Hoffman arrives with a bottle of whiskey. They start a discussion but meanwhile there are allegations that Hanks has been using cocaine so his 'spin doctors' come in and Hoffman goes out. Happens a few times. Eventually Hoffman speaks to him about the limo driver and Hanks rants about him listening at the door. Hoffman says he wasn't - he bugged the bottle of whiskey.

[senorblinky]

They're just people dude, i'm sure people talk to them and say, "Hi, Phillip!" or "what's up Phil!" or "Evening Tommy!"
It's only us that'll go "Hi, Phillip See-More hoffman!" or "Hi Tom Hanks!"

No man...