 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Charlie Wilson's War
- Review Date: April 20, 2008
- R
- Genre: Comedy
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Adult comedy takes an incisive look at politics.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
Pay attention to the first 10 minutes of CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR. It tells you all you need to know about the titular Democratic Texan congressman (Tom Hanks) who, unbeknownst to many, apparently helped engineer the fall of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan by championing ways to covertly fund the Afghani rebels' operation in the early '80s. As the movie opens, Wilson is sitting in a hot tub drinking booze, surrounded by a bevy of naked, busty women (and some ogling men). But he's transfixed not by the bacchanalia around him, but rather by the news unspooling on television: The Russians have invaded Afghanistan. It's a memorable beginning for a fairly entertaining movie based on the book by George Crile, as well as a succinct capsule of who Wilson is: a smart, irreverent, and surprising politico with a penchant for drink and dames. That point is driven home later when right-wing socialite Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts -- great acting, bad accent), who likes to put her money where her politics is, champions the Afghan cause and persuades Wilson to get involved after a quick romp.
Is it any good?
Charlie Wilson is a bold role that demands a bold actor, and Hanks admirably rises to the occasion, aided by Aaron Sorkin's intelligent script and Mike Nichols' breezy direction. Paired with Philip Seymour Hoffman -- who plays Gust Avrakos, the CIA operative who guides Wilson through his cause -- he's giving it all he's got (and effortlessly, too).
But hold the box-office receipts: While Charlie Wilson's War manages to make intricate Capitol Hill and international relations maneuverings fun, it's a little too wonky to fully connect with mainstream audiences. As a one-hour West Wing episode, it would have been a smash. But as a feature film, it falls short, explicating too much and too often and wrapping up a complex issue too neatly in the end. Still, in today's political landscape, there's no denying that Charlie Wilson's War has resonance.
What 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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AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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AGE
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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AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
A good comedy FOR ADULTS
Grpahic nudity in some scenes great movie but 16 and older probably 17.
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| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Mike Nichols |
| Cast: | Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tom Hanks |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 97 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 21, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | April 21, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | strong language, nudity/sexual content and some drug use. |
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