Charlie Wilson's War (15)
This film is based on the true story of a Texas congressman who covertly helped fund the Afghan resistance against the USSR in the early 80s, but don't let that put you off.
Tom Hanks is brilliant as the arrogant and swaggering Charlie Wilson, making him instantly likeable, despite the booze and sexism.
Wilson's indignation at the plight of the Afghan people is matched only by his lust for women and alcohol - he is a shining example of the work hard, play hard ethos.
Wilson, along with Republican socialite Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts) raises $1billion from government coffers to improve the defences of the Mujahideen. They are helped by the sublime Philip Seymour Hoffman's CIA agent Gust Avrakotos, who loves a good fight and knows just what weaponry is needed.
Hoffman is on top form in this film, his dead pan delivery and slightly seedy demeanour make him quite unlikeable at first. But it doesn't take long to see his humour and great intelligence shining through.
The two men couldn't be more different, but the Afghan cause binds them together and the two bounce off each other in a delightful and engaging way.
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The snappy and sharp dialogue was written by Aaron Sorkin, known for The West Wing, and at times you really need to concentrate to keep up.
Don't expect a serious political drama, this is more of a fast paced and slick look at a time in American history which they would probably like to forget.
It lacks real bite and issues such as what the Mujahideen did after they defeated the Russians are glossed over.
Nonetheless it is a highly enjoyable film, witty, sophisticated and worth watching for the performances of Hanks and Hoffman alone.
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