John's Movie Musings

What an odd history Afghanistan has had these past twenty years. In a very short amount of time, you've got the Soviets, the Taliban, and Bin Laden. No wonder everyone is telling stories about the place.

Charlie Wilson's War takes a look at the Afghanistan of the 1980s. Billy Joel tells us that's when we got "Russians in Afghanistan." While you were more concerned with Wheel of Fortune and Sally Ride, the highlight reel of the Cold War was being filmed in Kabul.

The movie takes a very light tone with the subject. This is great as a little sarcasm helps cover the fact that we had basically three guys fund a war against the Soviets. Let that sink in a bit before your thoughts wander back to Vanna White.

Looking at the poster, you know right away that the cast is superb. But still, Tom Hanks and Phillip Seymore Hoffman play their best characters ever. They have a chemistry that even rivals the Scrubs musical episode. Seriously, if you've never heard "Guy Love," make it a priority to do so. Stat.

If you missed this one in the theaters (like I think a lot of people did), it's definitely worth checking out.

Oh, and this is my 100th post. Sweet.


Grade: A