Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

Charlie Wilson's a Dean Martin version of a Senator: booze and women flow freely and he seems rather unconcerned with much else. But then he catches a television report on Afghanistan and their impossible fight against the Soviets and decides to use his power to throw too little cash at the problem...which puts him on the radar of those who have a REAL interest in the fight.

The best part of this movie is the way in which it was told: namely that it included, rather than excised, everyday humor. It didn't feel as though the comedy was punched-up artificially, but that it was allowed to just stay where it belonged. Everyone laughs at odd times and looks silly at others and sometimes focuses on pleasure when there are pressing issues at hand -- removing those truths from a narrative is unrealistic and I'm glad they didn't do so here.

I'm to the point where I find Julia Roberts' presence in a film more of a distraction than a help. She doesn't ever fill a role so beautifully that I can't imagine a dozen actresses doing at least as well and she usually seems so dang pleased with herself. However -- a supporting role as a socialite who is so dang pleased with herself is a pretty good fit.

B+