This week, return to “The Wrap Party”
It’s a mixed-up, messed-up holiday week, but I’m going to forge right on ahead with my Studio 60 Revisited Monday night marathon, with a few delays here and there (cause tomorrow? we have to recall the great Christmas episode). Tonight we’re viewing episode six, “The Wrap Party,” which originally aired on October 23, 2006. It continues straight on from “The Long Lead Story,” as we follow the cast from the show to the after-party, where Jordan gets drunk, Danny tries to fix Matt up with anybody other than Harriet, and Simon has an addition to the writing staff on his mind. Meanwhile, Cal is dealing with an elderly gentleman who provides a link to the studio’s past. Eli Wallach got an Emmy nomination for the part.
In other Sorkin news, his new film Charlie Wilson’s War is getting some good reviews. A few of the accolades:
“Nichols and Sorkin turn the wonkish jargon of politics into light comedy by staying absolutely true to it. There’s so much lying going on that each time someone actually comes out with something he believes, it’s like the jabbiest of punchlines.” — Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
“‘Charlie Wilson’s War’ is that rare Hollywood commodity these days: a smart, sophisticated entertainment for grownups.” — Todd McCarthy, Variety
“Fun is this movie’s unlikely and persuasive motto. If it’s the best politically themed movie to come around in a while, that may be because the director, Mike Nichols, and the screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin, grasp that politics, for all its seriousness, is an essentially comic undertaking. Their film is never glib or flippant, but instead shows a lightness of touch and a swiftness of attack — 96 minutes to drink some cocktails, make some deals and send the Russians packing — that stand in welcome contrast to the plodding, somber earnestness of some recent movies I will tactfully refrain from naming.” — A.O. Scott, New York Times
“What is remarkable about the collaboration of Nichols and Sorkin is that they make this labyrinthine scheme not only comprehensible but wickedly funny, as Charlie Wilson uses his own flaws and those of others to do a noble deed.” — Roger Ebert
The film made $9.62 million at the box office on its opening weekend, putting it in fourth place behind National Treasure: Book of Secrets, I Am Legend, and Alvin and the Chipmunks. Wouldn’t you just love to hear some Sorkin character rant about Alvin and the Chipmunks coming in ahead of a smart film about politics and war?
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