Big time filmmakers (Aaron Sorkin, Mike Nichols) and Big time actors (Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman) come together nicely in this adaptation/bio of Charles Wilson a Texan and politician, who had the power (and access to money) to change America in the 80's.Playboy Wilson spends his time in Vegas with strippers and coke heads, only to find himself in Pakistan talking with their president about the plight of Afghani refugees. Wilson goes to the camps and is so moved, he secures money and friends with influence (Julia Roberts) and know-how (PSH).
In effect, he is able to fund the resisting Afghani's with weapons to defeat the insurging Russians. All of this is done covertly, as the Cold War is in everyone's minds.
The performances are top notch, delivered with great gusto. The writing is lean (as expected from Sorkin) with no extra words or scenes to spare. Personally, I didn't like the bookending of the opening scene with the ending, it cheapens the story.
Perhaps not the greatest movie ever, but as far as tight filmmaking and strong performances go, you could do worse.
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