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This week, we’re watching Charlie Wilson’s War.

What I Liked: This is a very well-written movie with award-winning acting.  I’m not surprised it has been nominated for numerous Golden Globes.  As a political movie, it truly makes one think without pushing a point of view down your throat.

What I Disliked: The fake Texan accents by Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts were grating on the ears, but there was some respite when Hanks lost his Southern accent.

Would I Recommend?: I would definitely recommend this movie, but be careful when taking small children as some of the war scenes and affects are graphic.  There is also quite a bit of nudity at the beginning of the movie.

Score: 7 out of 10

- Lauretta Pesce

What I Liked: I wasn’t expecting much from Charlie Wilson’s War because the previews I have seen didn’t leave me with a desire to see this movie.  I was pleasantly surprised, however, that I enjoyed the movie very much. 
From the opening scene, Charlie Wilson is shown as a hard drinking, womanizing, irresponsible congressman.  Despite these looming personality flaws, Tom Hanks portrays Wilson in such a way that he immediately becomes lovable and you don’t mind spending an hour and a half with him.  Julia Roberts gives an unexceptional performance as Joanne Herring, a Texas socialite who uses her womanly wares to entice Wilson to join her cause.  Persuaded by Joanne, Wilson uses his influence to raise the budget and help Afghanistan defeat the Russians.  Wilson and Herring are joined by a CIA agent named Gust who is played by the man with three names, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and the trio accomplishes many wonderful and amazing things. 
This movie is based on a true story and some of the scenes are actual footage from the events.  The footage reminds the audience that we are watching a real story, and that this man really did these things. 
Because of the political plot, I immediately expected to see an underlying agenda.  I was relieved to discover that this film was objective.  It does not paint the US as a good guy or a bad buy. It merely tells what happened to Charlie.  Despite the heavy plot, the dialogue was witty and the film was very funny.

What I Disliked: I was highly disappointed in Julia Roberts’ performance.  Her poor performance distracted from the otherwise enjoyable film.

Would I Recommend?: Yes.  This was a very funny and entertaining movie.

Score: 7 out of 10

- Jessica A. Locke