Charlie Wilson's War is based on a true story about a serious subject, but the vast majority of the film is sophisticatedly funny and very witty. Excellent portrayals by Tom Hanks, as an influential playboy congressman who becomes interested in covertly helping the Afghanis fight the Russians, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, as a brilliant but cynical, acerbic, outspoken CIA analyst. Julia Roberts, in a more matronly role than usual, is good as a smart, shrewd socialite who does some of the heavy lifting for the congressman. I found myself laughing often at the clever humor throughout the first two-thirds of the film, which is where the film really shines. Then it turns serious as the covert funding and obtaining of weaponry for the Afghanis results in them chasing the Russians out of their poor, abused country. Predictably, Congress then drops the ball by refusing any further funding, even minor amounts to rebuild schools, etc., to the great dismay of Hank's character. But don't skip this movie because of the serious ending, particularly if you enjoy good, clever, witty humor.
