The University News

Issue date: 1/14/08 Section: Culture

Media Credit: MCT Campus In "Charlie Wilson's War," Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts) convinces Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) to get involved in a conflict between Aftghanistan and the Soviet Union.

December brought us the usual glut of family films, would-be blockbusters and of course, Oscar bait. Here's a rundown of five that stood out:

Atonement

Based on a popular novel, "Atonement" is a sprawling epic at times and a quiet mystery at others. But for those expecting a simple World War II drama, be warned: the period trappings initially mask an engaging discussion of truth, perception and guilt. In short, don't take anything in the story for granted.

The film stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy as lovers who find themselves separated by the actions of a young girl who cannot understand their passion. Vanessa Redgrave also appears and lends weight to the film's final tragic moments. Joe Wright's direction delivers clues to that tragedy along the way, but also impresses with the beauty and grace that made his "Pride and Prejudice" such a success.

Charlie Wilson's War

If there's one message the viewing public has made clear to Hollywood this year, it's that they don't want to see political films. "Charlie Wilson's War" is about the U.S. masterminding of the uprising against the Soviets in Afghanistan. So what makes this film different from the rest? It makes international relations fun!

The film takes a satirical approach in telling the story of how one man started his own covert war. It's got plenty of Hollywood pedigree, but Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts have nothing on their co-star Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who generates lots of laughs in one of his three stellar performances of the season.

Juno

When I first saw this film, I did not care for it. It had too much smug dialogue that reminded me of the 20 or so minutes of "Gilmore Girls" that I've been unfortunate enough to have seen. But then a curious thing happened: The buzz surrounding it enticed me to see it again. What I found on the second viewing, having already been prepared for screenwriter Diablo Cody's verbal universe, was a comedy of surprising depth and emotional complexity.

Ellen Page delivers a performance as the title character that will most likely result in an Oscar nomination. Without strong performances, the dialogue would completely derail the film, but luckily skilled actors like Page appear throughout, including a surprising career-best role for Jennifer Garner.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools