Charlie Wilson’s War
Release Date: December 25, 2007
Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Directed By: Mike Nichols

In a season full of politically themed movies, this first look at the Mike Nichols directed Charlie Wilson’s War will stand out thanks to the playfully satirical tone it conveys. The film deals with a Texas politician who raises money for Afghanistan to aid in their fight against Russian communists, and unlike the more somber previews for two other Afghanistan-themed flicks, Lions for Lambs and The Kite Runner, it mixes a little laughter with the serious political themes.

Any movie starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman is bound to have more than its share of “Look at me, Oscar” style clips to choose from, and each actor is given their chance to shine in the trailer. In particular, the footage of Hanks (playing against type as a drinking womanizer) is especially well chosen. It conveys his trademark charm and commanding screen presence while also painting in a couple shades of moral ambiguity.

The only major fault of the trailer is its musical selections. American Pie by Don McLean and Jimi Hendrix’s version of “All Along the Watchtower” come off as a little clichéd, especially in a preview for a new film by the director who revolutionized soundtracks with The Graduate.

While the combo of 60’s tunes and Tom Hanks will jog memories of Forrest Gump for main-stream audiences. More serious film buffs may be disappointed by the lack of creative musical choices.

Verdict: With a killer cast and a legendary director as well as a mix of humor and social commentary, this is definitely worth checking out in theatres.