Shattering Tribute to all involved

“United 93”
4 stars out of 4
Directed by Paul Greengrass


Some say it’s too soon, some are neutral on the subject, some can’t even speak about it, I believe it isn’t to soon to retell the terror and horror that Americans faced on September 11, 2001 and how we rose and wouldn’t go quiet into the night. It isn’t something pretty to remember, but I honestly think many have forgotten what that day meant. United 93 was the fourth plane to crash on that sobering day, taking off from Newark, and heading to San Francisco, it was taken over by 4 terrorists and headed towards the capital building in Washington, D.C.

The film in its whole 111 minutes is shocking at every bend, even though we know what will happen, I have never sat through a movie where my heart was pounding the whole time. As the suspense builds and builds we watch everyone involved in air-traffic controlling departments that day as they sort through the mess, the frustration, and the tragedy.

Paul Greengrass who is at the helm here who had previously done “Bloody Sunday“, and “The Bourne Supremacy” has made this film into a landmark, and captivating piece of cinema that will never be equaled as long as this story is told on the big-screen. His devotion, and accurate scope portrays every ounce to perfection as he doesn’t plug in any Hollywood clichés, heroic moments, or any outlook that isn’t 100% true. Greengrass would only go through with this production by the blessings of the family’s of United 93, he has crafted something so sacred that it’s a shame that people will make money off of the film when it’s all said and done.

The film starts off showing the process of a flight’s take off and the leading men coordinating these flights and others throughout the day. It quickly moves into uncomfortable territory when they report the first plane hitting the towers, then they actually show the second one hitting and the following reactions by those who have witnessed it. Greengrass reveals everything, and nothing. We don’t hear any mention of Osama Bin Laden, any mention of George Bush, we only know what the passengers know, they are on a plane that is being hijacked.

The film also doesn’t talk any political sides, it avoids everything other then the fate that awaits the 40 passengers on the flight. All of the characters are unknown actors who are extremely convincing as they decide what they will do when time is running out, some men take charge, one being Todd Beamer who uttered the famous line “Let’s roll,” right before making his last stand along with other passengers.

In Hollywood these days, controversy surrounds films like these that explore tragedies and uncomfortable topics or ideas. The last film that received attention like this, that was filled with emotion was “The Passion of the Christ.” When it comes to religion and the last days of Christ sure controversy will surround the project and it’s intentions. But “United” 93 is truly a masterpiece, some critics will throw that term around recklessly anymore, but when something relating to that day is made with brutal honesty, it’s a tribute not an exploitation,

“United 93” is the first film made about 9/11, mark my words it will be the best EVER made about it. Seeing this film is reliving that whole month and what it felt like. Trust me, what is shown on the screen isn’t soft and underplayed, it’s appalling, and it sticks in the depths of your stomach, “United 93” is extremely haunting, and truly devastating. I have no problem with anyone who wishes to have nothing to do with this film, it’s one of those films that will either flourish from word of mouth, or dissolve as a masterpiece, one thing is for sure, I will never forget the experience that I had watching

Eckhart along with tight script and witty cast shine under the radar

“Thank You for Smoking”
3 and ½ stars out of 4
Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Katie Holmes, Maria Bello, Cameron Bright, J.K Simmons
William H Macy, Adam Brody, Robert Duvall

Nick Naylor probably doesn’t sleep well at night as he envisions new ways to approach his speeches towards Americans as it comes with his job title as a major lobbyist for Big Tobacco companies. Naylor is good looking, fast talking, and witty. He is divorced, and loves his young son Joey. Naylor played by Eckhart is basically flawless as this slimy but charismatic lobbyist who tries to spin everything not only in his favor, but in the tobacco companies favor.

This film isn’t serious, it works better as the satire it presents itself to be, the character of Naylor actually dines weekly with people who have the same job as him, but representing alcohol, and firearms, and yes, they do talk, scheme, and compete with each other to see whose business can kill the most people, they call themselves The Mod Squad (Merchants of Death)

Naylor works under B.R played by JK Simmons, who works under “the captain” who started it all, Robert Duvall. Naylor is there henchmen who can hopefully bring smoking where it used to be with presenting the idea to a Hollywood guru(Lowe) to find a script with big money names and throw in some steamy scenes with nicotine usage. Consider the fascinating idea discussed between Lowe‘s character, and Naylor, of Brad and Catherine-Zeta lighting up in a futuristic world right after “ravishing” each other throughout intergalactic frenzies. The film also maintains a confrontation between Senator Finistirre, Vermont environmentalist(Macy) who exceedingly proposes the idea of a skull/cross bone illustration on all cigarette packs with “Poison” written below the noticeable illustration that should advise teens to not touch the substance.

This film is full of playful surprises with a dozen cast members who have made either decent or solid names for themselves, as they all play a part in Nick Naylor’s decisions and underlying foul mouth “bs” that he presents almost everyday as disguised innocence when describing his business motivations.

Directed by Jason Reitman, who makes this film sleek and satisfying in only 93 minutes, is successful in performing a satire that not only doesn’t take sides on a serious subject like tobacco use, but gets the best out of every character and presents bright futures for not only the usually fair but now solid Eckhart, but sheds light on the careers of Adam Brody who plays Lowe‘s assistant, and Cameron Bright who plays Naylor’s son, who basically without knowing it is groomed by his father to maybe excel in the same upbringing as his father in the future.

“Thank You for Smoking” is not only surprisingly funny and insightful, but it’s fun, aggressive and something new. Since the film will not expand to all theatres, it’s the kind of film that he can hopefully serve as an impressively nourishing appetizer to what looks to be a strong summer at the box offices.