In response to testing, “Charlie Wilson’s War” co-starring Julia Roberts will open four days before Christmas.

By Jonathan Zipper

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 12/3/07 – Tom Hanks’ latest film, “Charlie Wilson’s War” will hit the big screen on December 21, just four days before its formerly slated Christmas Day arrival, but representing a big vote of confidence from the studio.

Universal Pictures is bringing out its biggest movie star guns early as the picture is testing well, even with an unusual war-related story (how to start one). The studio told Reuters that “people are really enjoying the movie” and felt that the positive feedback paved the way for an earlier release date.

“Charlie Wilson’s War” features Hanks as a congressman from Texas that involves himself with covert diplomatic affairs in Afghanistan. Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman co-star, along with recent “Enchanted” phenom Amy Adams.

Maybe Adams can also provide “Charlie” with some box office magic during the pre-Christmas weekend, which will be filled with stiff competition. Other big releases include Johnny Depp’s “Sweeney Todd,” Nic Cage’s “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” Judd Apatow’s “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” and “P.S. I Love You” with Hilary Swank and “300’s” Gerald Butler.

“Charlie” is Hanks first film since 2006’s “The DaVinci Code.” He is currently working on that movie’s prequel, “Angels & Demons,” which has been delayed due to the WGA strike.