REEL CRITICS:

Aaron Sorkin made his bones as a screenwriter for the celebrated TV series “The West Wing.”

He brings all of his political savvy to the outstanding screenplay for “Charlie Wilson’s War.” Bizarre as it may seem at times, it’s a true story of a little-known Texas congressman who may deserve the greatest credit of all for the defeat of the Soviet Army in Afghanistan.

Director Mike Nichols provides a bitingly sarcastic look at the workings of our government in the 1980s.

Tom Hanks gives life and credibility to his role as the hard drinking, womanizing congressman who learns what needs to be done to defeat the Russians.

Philip Seymour Hoffman is excellent as the CIA operative who feeds Charlie the details needed to lead him to success. Julia Roberts plays the fundraising benefactor whose political connections drive the effort.

The dialogue is full of sharp zingers and sophisticated comments. Satirical laughter kept the audience at my screening buzzing during the show.

This film has equal measures of real-life tragedy, farce and heroism.

It’s already received five Golden Globe nominations and is sure to be heard from at Oscar time. One of the best films of the year.

So many movies, so little time

Tim Burton’s screen adaptation of the brilliant stage musical “Sweeney Todd” turns out to be a bloody good idea after all. Stephen Sondheim’s haunting melodies and tortured lyrics have been trimmed, which helps the limited but creditable singing talents of its stars. Johnny Depp wears a permanent scowl as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street and serves up some very cold revenge. Nobody sneers like Alan Rickman, and Helena Bonham Carter makes up for her thin voice with her comic timing. What will they think of next, “Batman on Broadway?”

NICE TO SEE, NOT TO WATCH

Keira Knightley is ravishing in a green silk gown. That’s the best I can say about “Atonement,” a disappointingly silly soap opera done up with posh accents and period costumes. An interesting tale of betrayal and thwarted love, the movie loses steam just when it starts to get steamy. You’d be better off reading the book.

LIFE, LOVE IN PERSPECTIVE

“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is truly amazing, a life-affirming film based on the prosaic memoir by French Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby. Paralyzed by a massive stroke in his early 40s except for one eyelid, his mind and imagination were still quite active. Artist/director Julian Schnabel gives us a tender, sexy and inspiring look at life and love through Bauby’s unique perspective. Mathieu Amalric (“Munich”) and a bevy of beautiful blond co-stars will quietly dazzle you.

JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office. SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant for a financial services company.