Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

This is topic Charlie Wilson's War (2007) in forum Film Handlers' Movie Reviews at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Jonathan M. Crist (Member # 413) on 01-07-2008, 09:05 PM:

POSITIVES: A wonderfully literate and staccatoed screenplay by Alan Sorkin and a scene stealing turn by Philip Seymour Hoffman.

NEGATIVES: The casting of Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. And how does less than 10 minutes of screen time qualify Roberts for a 'starring' role?

Still worth a look. 3.5 stars out of 5.

Posted by Kurt Zupin (Member # 2751) on 01-07-2008, 11:24 PM:

Hoffman was great in this one, stole the show. I especially loved the scene where we first meet him, very well done. How could you not like Tom Hanks in this role? He was Charlie Wilson, watch some of the old 60 minutes clips from the 80's when they talked with Charlie. Hanks nailed the role. I could of really done without Roberts. She was just annoying and did nothing for the movie.

4/5 [thumbsup]

Posted by Stu Jamieson (Member # 4626) on 02-22-2008, 01:51 AM:

Apart from the over-sentimental patriotism which bookends this film, it's excellent. It's a fascinating story and Hanks and Hoffman spark beautifully off of each other. Amy Adams is also excellent and I agree that Roberts is the weak link here. Gorgeous Emily Blunt is barely in it but she makes her presence count. [thumbsup]

8 out of 10. (Ignoring the fairly horrific plating scratches.)

An interesting sidenote: in the scene where the Russian pilots first get shot down, the print we have has the dialogue between the pilots subtitled. I saw the film at a rival cinema yesterday and their copy did not have the subtitles. Which print did you guys in the US have?

Of further interest is that one day after the film opened we received a replacement reel 5 to be dropped in ASAP. This is interesting for 2 reasons:
1. The above scene was probably on reel 5, and;
2. The above scene also had the CAP codes on it.
I suspect our original reel had one (or both) of these missing.

Speaking of CAP Codes, can anybody provide a link to the previous thread on it here? I've searched for it but the search engine comes up blank?? Do the threads here have a limited life span?

Posted by Mike Schindler (Member # 1309) on 02-22-2008, 02:07 AM:

SPOILER:

I didn't think the bookends overly sentimental or patriotic. I think the first scene was leading us in that direction, but by the time we get to the last scene, it becomes apparent that it's actually a very bittersweet moment. I think the final quote really sums it up.

Posted by Stu Jamieson (Member # 4626) on 02-22-2008, 03:49 AM:

That interpretation hadn't occurred to me but I guess that's valid. [Wink]

Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 02-22-2008, 08:07 AM:

Stu

Change where the search looks to the Film Handler's Forum. It'll be there, just not here in the reviews.

John

Posted by Stu Jamieson (Member # 4626) on 02-22-2008, 09:28 AM:

Got it, John. Thanks, man. [Smile]