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Charlie Wilson's War

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Adult comedy takes an incisive look at politics.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

What to watch out for

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Drinking, drugs, & 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.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Charlie Wilson's War

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.

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Families Can Talk About

  • 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?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 0.0

    Didnt like this movie at all...

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    Great, eye opening and relevant movie.

    Not for minors but well worth watching for all adults unless you're squeamish about some nudity, drug use and very mature subject matter. Historically accurate and makes one not want the U.S. to leave Iraqis the way we deserted the Afghan people. A must see.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 3.0

    A good comedy FOR ADULTS

    Grpahic nudity in some scenes great movie but 16 and older probably 17.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 3.0

  6. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 5.0

    Great movie... for ADULTS

    I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I found its message and lesson on recent history very enlightening. But I would think twice about bringing your children to see it. Perhaps a mature teenager could appreciate it, but discussion should certainly follow about this movie. It does bring up a lot of questions about the current state of our relationship with other nations today. This would be best rented on DVD, when you can more easily discuss this with your teen children.... BUT, I should say again, this is probably not a movie for most under 17.

  7. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 4.0

    entertaining movie about important history

    I cannot understand why this film is listed as a comedy. It covers very serious ground while it moves the story along in a witty and entertaining manner. I recommend it for teens 16 and over and for all adults. The information the movie gives us about the US involvement with Afghanistan in the 70's and 80's and about how our government operates behind the scenes is an eye-opener and well worth knowing more about.

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    One of the best movies of 2007...

    I went into this with high expectations; alas, I was not disappointed at all. This is an amazing film that will surely clean up at the Oscars. I don't think parents have to worry about their kids because they wouldn't be taking them to an adult film like this, but if your kid is enamored by politics, then take them. Keep in mind the language is strong, there is one graphic hot tub scene, and there is lots of drug use. So, don't take your kids; but do go yourself though, because this is one of the most fantastic movies I've ever seen. Easily the best political comedy since Dr. Strangelove.

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Amazing

    Amazing movie! There are a few iffy things in the movie though.. the nudity is in the very first scene but it is barely visible because of the water in the hot tub(the naked women are also snorting cocaine)... there are quite a few f words but they appear in basically 2 scenes. there is about 30-40 minutes where not one f word is present..

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