THE LIST: DVDs, CDs and books hitting stores this week

DVDS

"Charlie Wilson's War" (R): Finally, a movie about America's (mis)adventures in Afghanistan that's actually entertaining, focusing on a good-time Texas congressman (a wry Tom Hanks), a right-wing Houston socialite (a sly Julia Roberts) and a rogue CIA agent (Oscar nominee Philip Seymour Hoffman, in another grand-slam portrayal) teaming up to funnel money and weapons to mujahedeen after the 1979 Soviet invasion. Director Mike Nichols and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin ("The West Wing") revel in the ironic Cold War nostalgia, then remind us of the unexpected, unintended consequences, including our current war on terror. Mostly, however, "Charlie Wilson's War" resembles its title character, who'd never let a little thing like noble intentions interfere with a good time.

Also out today: "The Savages" (R); "Cloverfield" (PG-13); "The Orphanage" (R), "One Missed Call" (PG-13); "Starting Out in the Evening" (PG-13); "She Done Him Wrong" (Unrated); "Midnight" (Unrated); "The Major and the Minor" (Unrated); "Easy Living" (Unrated); and "A Date With Judy" (Unrated).

CDS

Ashlee Simpson, "Bittersweet World": Poor Ashlee Simpson, pop pin cushion, overshadowed second sister.

After weathering "SNL" mishaps, lusty booing during a half-time performance at the 2005 college football national championship game and modest sales of her sophomore project, Simpson's back with an album whose title reflects the ups and downs that she's endured in recent years.

Here, she comes with spit-shined pop kiss offs that, like a 12-pack of Natty Light, mostly get the job done, even if they occasionally make you ralph.

Also in stores: Atmosphere, "When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That (Expletive) Gold"; Blind Melon, "For My Friends"; Billy Bragg, "Mr. Love & Justice"; Elvis Costello and the Imposters, "Momofuku"; Elbow, "The Seldom Seen Kid"; Flight of the Conchords, "Flight of the Conchords"; Lyrics Born, "Everywhere at Once"; Oscar G, "Innov8"; Story of the Year, "The Black Swan"; Tokyo Police Club, "Elephant Shell"; Armin van Buuren, "Imagine"; and The Weepies, "Hideaway."

BOOKS

"So Brave, Young and Handsome" by Leif Enger: The author of the best-selling novel "Peace Like a River" returns with a new book set in 1915 featuring failed writer Monte Becket, who pairs up with Glendon Hale, an aging outlaw who still is being hunted by a former Pinkerton, for a wild adventure through the West that turns into a long journey of redemption.

Also out today: "The Whole Truth" by David Baldacci; "Italian Grill" by Mario Batali; "Quicksand" by Iris Johansen; "The House at Riverton" by Kate Morton; "Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Pague" by Brandon Mull; and "Santa Fe Dead" by Stuart Woods.