Metacritic Movie Ratings
Charlie Wilson's War Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 90

  out of 100

  The New York TimesA.O. Scott

  More of a hoot than any picture dealing with the bloody, protracted fight between the Soviet Army and the Afghan mujahedeen has any right to be.

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• 88

  out of 100

  ReelViewsJames Berardinelli

  With its rapid pace, smart screenplay, and top-notch acting, this is one of the 2007 Oscar season's most appealing and compelling adult motion pictures.

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• 83

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman

  It's all about a likable scoundrel who discovers what it means to act out of conviction. The film's underlying twist, though, is tartly ironic.

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• 80

  out of 100

  VarietyTodd McCarthy

  Charlie Wilson's War is that rare Hollywood commodity these days: a smart, sophisticated entertainment for grownups.

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• 75

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  This is definitely the year of Philip Seymour Hoffman.In Charlie Wilson's War, he and Tom Hanks make a particularly sharp and engaging duo, bouncing clever lines off each other as if it were a verbal ping-pong match.

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• 75

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  You might think Tom Hanks is miscast as the lovable sinner. Dennis Quaid, maybe, or Woody Harrelson. But Hanks brings something unique to the role.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The Hollywood ReporterKirk Honeycutt

  In this film, directed by Mike Nichols in one of his most satirical moods and scripted by Hollywood's most politically astute writer Aaron Sorkin, a womanizing, alcoholic, easily tempted bachelor gets elected in a Texas district that doesn't care what he does as long as he brings home the bacon.

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• 40

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan

  Overall, Charlie Wilson's War is glib rather than witty, one of those films that comes off as being more pleased with itself than it has a right to be. It also suffers from being not all of a piece, with mismatched elements struggling to cohere.

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• 40

  out of 100

  Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern

  It's a fascinating story, but Mr. Nichols and his actors never stop reminding us how fascinating it is. With the exception of Mr. Hoffman, a master of understatement, everyone acts up a storm, yet context is lacking.

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