Charlie Wilson’s War

Directed by the prolific Mike Nichols (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, The Graduate, Catch-22, Silkwood, Working Girl, Postcards From The Edge, What Planet Are You From?), screenplay by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, A Few Good Men). Much more enjoyable than I thought it would be. Low expectations and pleasantly surprised.

Tom Hanks, immensely likable and using his eyes well to convey character and emotion, but interestingly over-shadowed by Julia Roberts, her best work since Erin Brockovich (2000), except for the unfortunate hair; I understand the need for period detail and Texas socialite, but did it have to look so much like a wig? But you could feel the audience leaning in towards her whenever she came on-screen; during one scene where she groomed her false eyelids with a safety pin, a gasp went through the audience: Oh my God, a safety pin near Julia Roberts’ eye! Her charisma was palpable and she and Hanks worked well off each other.

Amy Adams a nice surprise. She’s in danger of over-exposure but you can’t fault her perky likability. Just a pleasant actress to watch. Occasionally you can see the work going on behind the bright eyes, but that smile! Those teeth! That wonderful red hair! It seems like she entered into film at just the right time. We need a perky new star.

Typically well-directed by Mike Nichols; the camera smooth, the editing unobtrusive. Leaves you with something to think about, like a well-done play.