This is a movie of names. It is defined throughout by one name in particular: Aaron Sorkin. Sorkin brings all of his small screen charms and manages to deliver a screenplay which nearly manages to make us believe this is a real movie. Now, I don't mean this in a bad way, but I often felt like I was watching a television show; a tight, well scripted, enjoyable television show. Aside from a slightly rushed third act, the pacing is quick and yet slow enough to let us get into the story.
But the story isn't why you're there, it's all about the dialogue with Sorkin, and he comes through. While the tense, blunt exchanges between Charlie (Hanks), the Texas congressman whose personal morals may be loose, but knows exactly how to work the hill, and Gust Avrakatos (Hoffman), a CIA outsider looking to sidestep the impotent CIA brass, are some of the best; Charlie's fine-edge sexual/intellectual duels with Joanna Herring (Roberts) are the real payoff for the viewer. The odd dynamic of the pair feels lived in, Charlie is always at a disadvantage with Joanna, something they both know, and accept.
Needless to say, all of this A-list talent can be somewhat overwhelming to the TV script, but it never stops being entertaining. The most in synch with Sorkin's humour is Amy Adams, turning in a flawless performance as Rep. Wilson's personal attendent, and ultimately his anchor in politics.
What of the movie itself? I found it very enjoyable, indeed engaging. This may have had something to do with my recent interest in my professional future, but it really made me feel the need to be in a position to affect foreign affairs. This is a message movie, make no mistake, but it seems to be a little unsure of what that message is. Is it that the U.S. ought to be wary of our current military affairs? Is it to place the blame for the current state of Afghanistan on the inaction of our lawmakers?
Regardless, I recommend this movie wholeheartedly.
