Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Charlie Wilson's War Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 9, 2015

Although it teases the presence of political debate with a hot potato subject, “Charlie Wilson’s War” is more of a cocktail hour movie, treating significant world events as everyday business. Focusing on American influence during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, the picture shies away from the grim details of the conflict, preferring to explore its rather unlikely genesis, with screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and director Mike Nichols (this being his last film in an amazing career) creating a sense of playfulness while juggling troubling facts, trying their best to keep the true-life tale approachable despite its substantial carnage, underhanded dealings, and eventual ties to American disaster. It’s not entirely successful as a comedy, but “Charlie Wilson’s War” has a certain spring in its step that keeps it appealing.

Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) was a Texas congressman in the 1970s and ‘80s who lived the high life of Playmates, politics, and cocaine use, sustaining a reputation as one of the most well-liked members of congress. When socialite Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts, forgettable in a decorative role) prompts Charlie to consider the plight of Afghanistan during the Russian invasion, the smooth-talking politician sobers up and starts poking around Washington, working to shake out a small fortune to help arm the Afghans with much more than antique rifles. At his side is C.I.A. wizard Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a man of amazing bluntness, who helps facilitate Charlie’s blue sky dreams of a free Afghanistan.

As a cinematic package, there’s much to admire about “War.” It’s a frisky story of misplaced ambition from Sorkin’s whirring mind (adapted from book by George Crile), and written with his traditional verbal fastballs, in part to help the tale from sinking into political muck. The swiftness of the interplay is a saving grace, appearing often when the picture needs it the most, arming the actors with pointed, witty retorts that heighten the performances, giving the effort a forward momentum to help shield a deeper inspection of its more unsavory parts. We’re talking war, with all its death and dismemberment, and while Wilson does visit refugee camps to achieve a greater understanding of the Middle East situation, Sorkin doesn’t lay on the guilt. Instead, the screenplay is more invested in finger-snap office interactions, where Wilson and his bevy of secretaries keep a tight routine of briefings and denials, finding the congressman’s iffy behavior outside Washington coming to haunt him during a sensitive time of fundraising.

Under Nichols’s command, “War” strains so hard to be jaunty, it’s difficult to nail down what the point of this film actually is. Certain moments play like a “Thin Man” update, highlighting precise comic timing and rapid-fire dialogue, while others supply a chilling snapshot of wartime blues in the heart of Afghanistan (it’s all fun and games until the armless little girls show up). “War” never settles long enough on either end of the spectrum to make a lasting impression, rendering the final product frustratingly distant and disturbingly brief, clocking in at just over 90 minutes. It doesn’t allow much room to discuss the sophistication of the Afghanistan war, much less the whole, ya know, birth of modern terrorism that trailed Charlie’s acts of heroism, paving the way to 9/11. Such future disaster is foreshadowed in the feature through a definitive airplane aural cue during the climax, allowing Nichols to address such disaster without clouding the atmosphere of his brisk comedy. “Charlie Wilson’s War” closes with a pointed summary of futility as the government turns its back on reconstructive efforts in Afghanistan, but for those seeking more of a clenched fist approach, or perhaps an accusatory one, the movie doesn’t bother with condemnation, only warnings infused with hindsight.

While the story lacks density at times, the performances, especially from Hanks and Hoffman, are gorgeous creations, fearless in presenting the lascivious aspects of the do-gooders in the midst of world politics, but also riddled with buoyant comedic touches only these gifted actors could deliver. Hanks is committed to comfort, isolating Wilson’s social charms while downplaying any greasiness, capturing the essence of a wayward man who found his awakening with this Afghanistan mission. Hoffman takes the brute route, moussing his hair to the ceiling and hating the world behind tinted glasses, turning Gust into a fireball of sarcasm and curt reality checks, lighting up the movie when he finally joins the team (his energy lifts the picture off the ground). Certainly Hoffman has gravitated toward this type of character time and again throughout his career, yet it’s still a joy to see him portray crunchy fellows. He’s damn good at it.

Charlie Wilson's War Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

While blacks aren't as deep as one would like, solidifying on some costuming and evening interactions, the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation provides a comfortable HD upgrade for "Charlie Wilson's War." Detail is perhaps the most enticing element of the viewing experience, with strong, deep textures on faces and fabrics, while set ornamentation and distances remain in clear view. Such sharpness is also enjoyed with the group dynamic, allowing the viewer to scan the room for individual performances. Colors are muscular and accurate, with a fresh boost of primaries and secure skintones. No damage was detected.

Charlie Wilson's War Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix doesn't retain interest in a complex structure of elements, keeping to the basic level of character interaction for the most part, finding dialogue exchanges crisp and clear. Scoring is tastefully managed, sustaining mood, while soundtrack cuts are primarily positioned as source music, keeping subtle. Surrounds perk up with war footage, giving the track some directional movement with the launch of missiles and the exchange of gunfire, and some low-end rumble also brings out the enormity of violence on display.

Charlie Wilson's War Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Making Of (17:09, HD) is a fluff piece created for cable television, going through the promotional particulars with cast and crew interviews, most collected during the press junket and visits to the set (with make-up and hair still in place). Information is primarily contained to a promotion, providing an overview of the "Charlie Wilson's War" production effort, from origin to principal photography. Most appealing are interviews with the real Wilson and Herring, who appear to enjoy the renewed attention the movie has brought to them.

• "Who Is Charlie Wilson?" (12:21, HD) focuses on the career and achievements of the film's subject, piecing together news footage, photographs, and interviews to explore the life and times of the congressman, who apparently wasn't too distressed about his depiction in the movie, welcoming images of drunkenness and philandering.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included on this disc.

Charlie Wilson's War Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's a certain champagne mood to "Charlie Wilson's War" that's entertaining, hitting a handful of magnetic highlights, but there are only a few nibbles of dramatic meat on these bones. The movie isn't built for depth, preserving more of an overview of Wilson's rather remarkable run as the ringleader of this armament effort, using his charms and connection to unite opposing Middle Eastern forces and woo fellow congressmen into place. It's a remarkable story with a grim conclusion, yet "Charlie Wilson's War" doesn't test extremes. It's more comfortable in the middle, laboring to squeeze laughs and a few guffaws out of the tale, keeping tight on its subject and his remarkably casual way with global change.