Iffy for 15+
Adult comedy takes an incisive look at politics.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this Tom Hanks/Julia Roberts movie is decidedly adult. For starters, it deals with complex issues connected to political wrangling and Middle Eastern power struggles. And then there's the booze, gunfire, and sexual content (including some nudity), strong language (be ready for lots of "f--k"s)-- it's all here and then some. That said, the movie is also smart, with a main character who's infinitely more interesting than many other people in movies. While it's not perfect, it's still a worthy watch, especially for older teens and adults interested in the political process.
- Families can talk about Wilson's motives for supporting the Afghan rebels. Does it seem realistic that he would so quickly devote himself to a cause he doesn't at first appear to understand? Is the movie subject easy or hard to understand? The film is also one in a recent rush of war-themed movies; do you think it encapsulates the issues of the time in a clear and succinct way? Why is Hollywood producing so many war-themed films lately? How do the politicians come across?
The good stuff
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Messages: Wilson isn't exactly the poster child for good behavior; he's sometimes lewd and pushy and he's plenty manipulative (so his is friend Gust). But his devotion to the rebel cause appears to be fueled by a need to do some good; when he visits Afghanistan, Wilson is moved to help make change happen. In fact, almost everyone involved in the Afghan cause in Wilson's inner circle seems to truly believe in their mission.
What to watch for
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Violence: Some depictions of war violence, including demonstrations and artillery fire. In one memorable scene, a man argues loudly with his superior, then proceeds to break a glass window by hacking at it with a metal bar.
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Sex: Charlie Wilson staffs his Beltway office with busty women, and there are plenty of cleavage shots. Even more skin is shown when women and men are naked in a hot tub; nude women are shown from the side and front, and there's a flash of a male backside. Charlie also beds a Texas socialite who wants him to help her political cause. They kiss, take a bath together, and speak in sexual innuendoes.
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Language: Frequent use of strong language, including "f--k," "s--t," and "a--hole." Politics is a rough-and-tumble world, and so is the language.
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Consumerism: Political names (John Murtha) and causes get plenty of air time, as does signage for locations. TV footage of news segments displays station logos and shows names.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Lots of boozing, in both social and professional settings (Wilson even asks his secretary to give him a drink). There's also a scene in which a crowd snorts cocaine, and everyone appears to smoke as well.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Certainly not a history lesson... by Jaycee5
Let me start out by saying that this movie is fantastic, Julia Roberts is a bit predictable with a bad accent but Tom Hanks was...well...Tom Hanks. Amazing as always. This movie is not ?thought provoking? or ?a wake up call for America?. It is not a dramatization of real events. I hope it wasn?t an attempt to rewrite history by the Hollywood liberal elite. I prefer to think of this movie as a complete work of fiction. No more real than ?STAR WARS?. As hard as it is for some to believe, the fall of the Soviet Union was orchestrated by Regan/Bush and other like minded conservatives. Charlie Wilson?s small part in this great triumph was greatly overstated in this wonderful movie. Go see ?CHARLIE WILSON?S WAR? for what it is...entertainment. But don?t believe it.
5
Sophiscated, Witty and Ironic. by Free_Movies_4_Life
I saw an advaced screening of Charlie Wilsons War on 12-20-07. Right from the start you can tell it is a movie for adults based on the topic. Most young adults wont understand the politics involved, but I just happened to know a little about the cold war. If you like well developed adult comedy, go see it. It has some good TNA action and drug use but why not, it is for adults. Tom Hanks is perfect for he role of smooth talking and sauve charlie. His co-stars are just as wonderful and phillip-seymour hoffman is the best comedic smart a** in a long time. You really dont need me telling you about the plot so I am just gonna say how creative and well made this movie was. The smooth transitions bewteen historic film and the movie were amazing. The costumes and sets really made you think it was the 1980's If your a sophiscated adult that undestands witty comedy, you will not be disappointed. If ha-ha comedy is more your style than I recommend you see something else.
4
Aquired taste of history by thecrippler46
This was one show that I was looking forward to seeing for the past six months. I wasn't expecting a huge spy caper slash action flick in this show, but rather a character driven historical drama that fires on all eight cylinders. Tom Hanks star power doesn't seem to overshadow the character that he's portraying as it did in the Da Vinci code. Julia Roberts has a good outing playing the Houston Socialite that pushes Wilson into supplying the Afghan fighters. Perhaps though my favorite part of this show is Phillip Seymour Hoffman's portrayal of the uncouth Central Intelligence agent Gust Avrakotos, Hoffman again shows why he's one of the best actors to come out of Hollywood in the past twenty years. It should be pointed out that this is a political movie that not everyone might enjoy which is why I didn't give it a rating of "Must Go", but regardless of your political alliances regardless of what is fiction and what isn't, it at least raises awareness to study our history.
4
Thought Provoking Character Study by thescold40
This is a movie for grown ups. There is very little violence, and language and sexual situations that will not surprise anyone who actually lived through the eighties. Only the most thoughtful, history loving teen would have any interest in this film at all. It was an interesting study of the political world. The acting is amazing. The moral issues raised by the film are haunting. I enjoyed it very much, so did my husband.
5
Charlie Wilson's War by Lynnjack8
We thought it was incredibly well done! Gave info we were not aware of re: Afghanistan, et. And a confirmation of how we feel our government/congress works/doesn't work with our tax dollars. Tom Hanks was wonderful!!
This is my third attempt to submit a review...what is going on? A bit discouraging and time waste
5
Go see this movie! by jjohnsey
Although it took place in the past, it is very relevant to the present. Great cast!
5
Charlie Wilson's War by wgm
Deserving of all the award nominations the movie got. Very funny but with a serious topic that this movie dealt with, provided a great substance for the other characters.
2
Charlie Wilson's Sleeper by rlkmusic
The best thing I can say about this movie was that I got a very good nap. I was very disappointed in the movie, and I was expecting to love it, given the cast. I thought the writing was quite slow.
4
Good Time Charlie by rwaldrop28459
As a former legislative intern for the Congressman, I found the movie to be an accurate portrayl of Charlie.
4
Congressman Playboy by danalan
Charlie Wilson's War is a very interesting movie. The movie is a docu-drama of the political actions behind the United States support of Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion of that country. The protaganist, Congressman Charlie Wilson, is a stereotypical playboy, whose political savvy is constantly underestimated by his opponents. Surrounded and ably assisted by his staff of aides, made up entirely of beautiful young women, Congressman Wilson becomes the driving force for the United States covert support of the Afghan freedom fighters.
With the cast including Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, there can be no doubt that the movie is a showcase of excellent acting. It's also an intelligent script, well-shot, and edited. I'm looking forward to the DVD because I'd like to know more.
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