Under Mike Nicholss direction Hanks, Roberts and Hoffman have a great time with Sorkins dialogue, even if these arent the sorts of parts that win Oscars. Contrary to what Sorkin and Nichols seem to think, the problem is not that topicality and entertainment dont mix. Its that audacity and self-congratulation dont. Buy Charlie Wilsons War dvd As a commentary on current events, its unconvincing but as a rollicking Dallas set in Washington, its excellent. CHARLIE WILSONS WAR presents the same Hollywood left broken record the same song and dance so why spend money to hear the same liberal mantra? It’s a marvel of snappy dialogue and precision timing. Criles book is a detailed, cautionary tale. Nichols and Sorkins version isnt completely without reflection, but it mostly dodges the ugly in favor of personality.