United 93 Review

Is there anyone who doesn't know the story? As other flights meet their tragic ends and flummox Air Traffic Control, the FAA and military, the passengers of U-93 continue their flight, blissfully unaware. It's not until the plane is hijacked and the people aboard begin making frantic calls for help to the ground that they learn the fates of the other flights. Realizing their chances of survival are nil if they remain passive, they fight back.

We know the movie's ending before it starts, and it should leave the viewer feeling frustrated and depressed. Instead I came away ready to kick some a**. It's inspiring, and the actions of those people on U-93 has stood as an example to others in threatening situations. Very few of us sit still any longer.

The acting is tight and the pacing is excellent. Much of it may be speculation, but we find ourselves wanting to shout at the screen, to let them know, in the wisdom of hindsight, where they've gone wrong. We feel their confusion and frustration, their fear and determination. The ending shot is reminiscent of the hands on the pole of the flag at Iwo Jima. Tragic and realistic, yet artistic.