Picks and Pans Review: Also Playing
By Leah Rozen, LESLEY MESSER
UPDATED
12/24/2007 at 01:00 AM EST
• Originally published 12/24/2007 at 01:00 AM EST
CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR Gliding along on the potent charm of Tom Hanks (left, with
Julia Roberts),
War tells with comic brio how a debonair Congressman from Texas single-handedly pushed through funding for a covert war in Afghanistan two decades ago against the Russians. Written by Aaron Sorkin (
The West Wing) and directed by Mike Nichols (
Closer), the film is breezily entertaining, though the next day you'll barely recall it. Roberts is slyly amusing as a sexy socialite. (R)
THE GREAT DEBATERS
Denzel Washington (right) both stars in and directs a worthy drama, which tells the true story of how a debate team at a small, black Texas college won national fame in the mid-1930s. The film raises issues still relevant today and boasts a bright young cast, including Jurnee Smollett and Denzel Whitaker. (PG-13)
P.S. I LOVE YOU This mawkish misfire about a new widow proves that Hilary Swank (flanked by Lisa Kudrow and Gina Gershon) sadly lacks the "adorable" gene needed to be a romantic comedy heroine. (PG-13)
