[sinanju]

I just saw the film a few hours ago and was amazed at it’s evenhandedness. If Joanne Herring is right about the fight she put up to change the original script’s hit-job features then she must be every inch the pistol as portrayed in the movie. Indeed, her actions may well turn out to have saved the film from being dismissed by audiences as just more politicized hackwork. It is thoroughly character-driven and Tom, Julia and Philip strike sparks off each other.

There is an amazing lack of partisan cheap shots throughout, remarkable in this season of Hollywood’s all-out blame America-thon. Yes, Charlie’s role in saving Pigeye’s flabby butt from Abscam in exchange for his appropriations assistance is made clear.

The movie does indeed end on an ominous note with Charlie being frustrated by the way we write off Afghanistan the moment Russians leave. This is entirely appropriate.

I give it four stars and will be reading the book as soon as possible and that’s the highest praise I can give for any movie.

[Recon Dad]

Perfect review. You are going to read the book twice, I did. The build up and machinations that take place to make this all possible make it a great read.

[flattorney]

Excellent Charlie Wilson special web page by the Lufkin (Texas) Daily Newspaper
# Many articles and documents links, videos, photos, and resources

10/03/07: Ex-Rep. Charlie Wilson leaving hospital after Heart Transplant
# Retired U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson is leaving a Houston hospital ten days after a successful heart transplant. The 74-year-old Wilson will be discharged from The Methodist Hospital on Thursday. Wilson received a heart from a donor in Kansas on September 24. Wilson, who represented Texas' 2nd district in the House from 1973 to 1996, is the subject of an upcoming movie starring Tom Hanks. The film "Charlie Wilson's War" is scheduled for Christmas release, is about Wilson's efforts to arm Afghani mujahedeen during their war against the Soviet Union. Wilson, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, helped secure money for weapons, including Stinger missiles. Wilson was known as "Good Time Charlie" when he was in Washington.

June 2003: Charlie Did IT
# Comprehensive article with one section written by Charlie Wilson’s War book author George Crile

12/20/07: Houston Socialite talks "Charlie Wilson's War"
- Video interview by local ABC News with Joanne Herring (78 y.o.)

12/20/07: Article and video interview with Joanne Herring: Houston Socialite's Battle against Communism turned into movie - Local CBS News interview

12/16/07, Houston Chronicle article and video interview: Joanne Herring celebrates "Charlie Wilson's War

4/13/07 - Houston Chronicle: Joanne Herring has lots to say on many subjects. Just listen:

12/11/07 Houston Chronicle: Charlie Wilson's War makes a Texas-size debut

Local Houston NBC News Review: "Charlie Wilson's War a Big Winner (4 of 4 Stars)

Houston Chronicle CWW Review: "Stops 30 minutes Shy of Greatness" (3 or 4 Stars)

Charlie Wilson's War Official Movie Website

Women like Joanne pick the men, they don’t pick her. She got what she wanted from Charlie Wilson and that was that. As to Charlie during the time they were together the following quote comes to mind - “That guy's soft. Look in his face. The booze and the concha (cocaine) tell him what to do.” – Tony Montana, Scarface (1983). The hot tub scene in the movie reminded me of Tom ‘Hot Tub’ DeLay during his younger wild partying political days in Houston and Austin. At least Tom stop the boozing and womanizing when he became very religious, Charlie never did. Tom looks and acts fantastic at 60. I think Ms. Herring should become an honorary FReeper! and the GOP should turn her loose against Hillary Clinton. - NancyTx

@ @ @

Here you go nancytx. I got it all fixed up for you. Let me know if it’s not alright. Thank you very much for all your time and input. Have a wonderful holidays! – TAB