United 93 (2006)

Incredible, matter-of-fact look at the events of September 11, 2001, as occurring from the perspective of air traffic controllers and army personnel at a loss on how to proceed in the absence of authorization from the unavailable/unresponsive Commander in Chief. We also get to see what might have happened during the flight -- some of which was pieced together from phone calls placed by passengers. Of course there's no way to know exactly how it was in 93's cabin, but unlike other films (e.g. "The Perfect Storm"), this one doesn't insult intelligence by creating fictional relationships and adding superfluous cinematic touches.

There's nothing about this production that feels polished. It's a stripped-down "this is how it went" affair. Some of those who were actually working their jobs that day play themselves, so we can bet those scenes, especially, are on-the-money. This story doesn't need any punching-up and I'm glad they didn't try to give it any. Most of the people involved remain anonymous, the story's the important thing here. I couldn't have stomached it any other way.

A