UNITED 93 is the best film of the year so far and by far...- Page 2

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 9:01pm

Yes. We are 1/3 the way through the year and films from the entire year are eligible--some have even won having been released as early as February.

[Luscious]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 9:28pm

That's all well and good. I just think it's a wee bit early to be proclaiming that ANY movie "has to win the Oscar for best picture".

[EvelynNesbit1906]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 9:40pm

Well, it's definitely about more than the passengers. A BIG chunk of the film is devoted to people in the control rooms. I do think the film at least partially attributes the tragedy to institutional problems, or the blind belief that a hijack could never happen; of course, if the people in the control room didn't agree that that was how things were, then they probably wouldn't be playing themselves in the film.

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 10:06pm

I disagree Luscious. As I see movie, regardless of what time of year it is released, I form an opion as to whether it is Oscar worthy or not. If I see an outstanding movie, why do I have to wait until the end of the year to say I feel it deserves an Oscar? Granted there will be many more movies released this year and hopefully I will leave the theater deeming some of them Oscar worthy. I feel this is the only movie I have seen so far this year that I would like to see win an Oscar. I apologize if my personal opinion is too premature in the year for you Luscious.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 10:12pm

And, as I said somewhere, I would have given this film Best Picture if it had come out this last year, and I thought a lot of last year's pics. For me, that's a pretty high bar to set. And if anything tops it, it's gonna be a kickass year in film.

I thought the control room scenes spoke volumes about so many things.

[Luscious]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 10:52pm

"As I see movie, regardless of what time of year it is released, I form an opion as to whether it is Oscar worthy or not."

Saying a movie is Oscar worthy is one thing. Saying that it should win the Oscar for best picture when there are NINE MONTHS of movies yet to be released, and you haven't seen any of them, is definitely premature. Sorry if you don't think so. Yup. It's The Passion of the Christ all over again. And it was released almost exactly the same time of year. A controversial reenactment of a horrific event that moved people to tears, made them emotional wrecks, and left them without the words to adequately convey their feelings. Not just a movie, but an experience. Something that you just have to see and experience for yourself in order to understand its power and importance. And on... and on...

And it wasn't even nominated.

Talk to you in nine months.

Updated On: 4/29/06 at 10:52 PM

[peggyandvelma]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 11:01pm

As someone who works at a movie theatre--don't expect big box office numbers. Hate to say it, but I live in a large city where we have 3 very busy movie theatres. I worked last night (opening night for the film) and the response was not there. Barely half of the seats were sold for both of our night shows. I usually sell tickets and I can estimate how much some films will make. (I was right on the money for Madea's Family Reunion. $30 mil opening weekend!) However, the positive is that a couple who visits often told me that they absolutely loved the film--and it totally changed my mind. When I can find time to see this movie, I'm going, emotional wreck or not.

EDIT: Today's crowd was much bigger for United 93 and the film may earn around $15-$20 million. Let's see Sunday night/Monday morning to see if I'm right.

Updated On: 4/29/06 at 11:01 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 11:01pm

"Talk to you in nine months."

If only!

[Luscious]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 11:08pm

That was a low blow, Jerby. Fortunately, I'm quite fond of low blows.

Updated On: 4/29/06 at 11:08 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 11:10pm

This film is def going to need word of mouth. I've already noticed a sea change in people's perceptions of it.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 11:36pm

I saw this today, and it was kind of strange, because I had absolutely no apprehensions about seeing it.

The talk above about going alone, I would definitely suggest, atleast as far as my reaction is concerned, I would have preferred to be alone.

I did not cry at all during this movie. I got a little teary eyed when some of the passengers were making their last phone calls to loved ones, but even after the plane crashed and the film ended, I wasn't just sad. I was absolutely - physically, emotionally, and just vocally devastated. I was shocked. I was paralyzed. I couldn't speak, I didn't want to speak, and I kept my head down the entire way out of the theatre and home. I was just so absolutely overcome with an indescribable feeling of sadness and regret - almost regret in the sense that I was at all responsible for the events of that day. Sure, it's ridiculous, but it really, deeply affected me, and I still haven't quite snapped out of it.

I did go with a close friend, and afterwards on the line for the bathroom, he grabbed my arm to get my attention and I completely ripped it away from him, and snapped at him. I didn't want to be touched, bothered, or anything. I wasn't ready to leave the theatre and be confronted with the outside world yet.

Best picture of the year? Well so far, obviously. That's not saying much of anything. Just judging from the trailers before UNITED 93, ALL THE KINGS MEN looks just wonderful, and Sean Penn will no doubt be a huge contendor next winter. It's absolutely way too soon and almost unfair to say that this deserves to win best picture. A wonderful, wonderful, tastefully made, expertly directed piece whose awards seem to be more appreciated in the way of how much it effects people, rather than a gold statue.

It's also surprising that whoever originated this thread singled out Cheyenne Jackson as being amazing. Are we singling him out because he was in ALL SHOOK UP? Or because he was the strongest in the film? It's absolutely the former, as his part is one of the smallest with the least amount of dialogue. Not to say he wasn't fantastic, but to single him out is entirely unfair to the rest of this brilliant cast, particularly his fellow passengers.

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 11:37pm

Luscious, you just want to argue. Not only are you judging this movie before seeing it, you are obviously still bitter towards people who were just as moved by The Passion of the Christ as expressed in multiple topics on this board. Even though I may not agree with you, I respect your opinion and believe you are entitled to it. I'm not looking to participate in this bickering back in forth. I came here to share my thoughts and feelings on the movie with others who have seen the movie.

[EvelynNesbit1906]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 12:05am

I don't know about All the King's Men. The original film already won the BP Oscar, and Sony's decision to move this version from 2005 to 2006 - from what I hear, to allow easier campaigns for Rent and Memoirs of a Geisha, which did not work very well - is questionable. It may be a good or great movie but I wouldn't hold my breath. Unless the trailer is deceptive, it seems like the film has taken a tone retired somewhere between 15 and 45 years ago (not that bringing it back from the dead has hurt Ron Howard too much).

The actress playing college student Deora actually stood out for me in the cast, and I don't even think she had lines. Could be the mystery surrounding her behavior on the flight. I don't think she made any calls home, and she was supposedly very close to her father.
Updated On: 4/30/06 at 12:05 AM

[Jane2]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 12:24am

I just saw the very end of another film called Flight 93 on tv. It was made in '06. I only saw the last half hour of it but from what I could tell, it wasn't exploitive at all and seemed to be in good taste. I think it must have been well done because I already almost teared up and became pretty sad after that short time of viewing it. Anyone here see it?

[RobbO]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 12:32am

jane, yes that tv movie called flight 93 (as the theatrical movie was called at one point) was not exploitive at all and very well done. you should catch the film in its entirety if you have the chance.

[EvelynNesbit1906]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 12:33am

Saw A&E's Flight 93 and didn't care for it. The acting and writing could have been a lot better. The whole time, I felt like I was watching auditions by people hoping the film would bring them great critical acclaim and roles in Hollywood.

ETA: Discovery Channel's The Fight That Fought Back is a credible and moving interpretation of the event. However, United 93 is the only film with the guts to not portray the final moments as a romantic battle. It's ugly, as it should be.
Updated On: 4/30/06 at 12:33 AM

[Luscious]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 10:55am

"However, United 93 is the only film with the guts to not portray the final moments as a romantic battle. It's ugly, as it should be."

That's the first comment I've read on this board that makes me wonder whether I should rethink my position to not see this film.

[Jane2]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 11:21am

RobbO-what a coincidence! They repeated airing the film right after the first airing. I started watching from the beginning, but fell asleep (not because of the film). I'll look for another airing and try again!

[Luscious]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 11:49am

Flight 93 is being shown again on A&E at 1PM EST today.

[DBillyP]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 12:17pm

(Disclaimer: I have not seen the film.)

Wicked, thank you for your post. Would you please clarify what you mean by, "This movie gets everything right"?

I have a comment that I will hold, until further clarification, to avoid being unnecessarily argumentative.

Thanks!

[Jim Colyer]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 1:06pm

I just came from the theater. United 93 is an emotional experience. Close up shots of the passengers, air traffic controllers and terrorists put us right in the events of 9/11. It all comes back, the planes flying into the twin towers and the Pentagon. We recall Todd Beamer and "Let's roll" although the film subdues his call to arms. Paul Greengrass wrote and directed United 93. He spent time with the families of the victims. His is a sympathetic portrayal. Even the terrorists are human. They are obviously nervous and are shown muttering prayers to their god. They believe in their twisted mission. A picture of the U.S. Capitol is posted on the control panel in the cockpit, so we assume it was the target of the 4th plane, not the White House.

100 MOVIES http://jimcolyer.com/papers/entry?id=28

[Jane2]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 1:35pm

Thanks for the headsup Luscious. I'm posting during a commercial. This film is hard to watch, but well done. It's easier to watch a violent film when you know it's just fiction, but to know this really happened is horrifying. later.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 1:55pm

I singled Jackson out because I know a lot of people on this board love him and I thought they'd be curious to know how he was. I thought, yes, he gave one of the films better performances even though it was a small role. The characters on the plane didn't have much dialouge at all and in order to give a great performance, they dont have to have the biggest part in the film. Jackson was great and while nearly every single member of the cast delivered a raw and gripping performance, I thought he was a highlight. It doesn't matter how big his part was; your part doesnt have to be of certain importance in the film in order to still give a wonderful performance.

And ALL THE KINGS MEN changed their opening date (I believe) twice because of mediocre pre-reviews so unless they re-tooled the entire film (which Im not saying they didnt do), I don't think that we should be betting on any Oscars as of now. And the same should be said for any film that has opened or even hasn't opened yet this year.

And I'm not saying UNITED 93 deserves any Oscars as of now; I still have to wait to see all of the other films that will open in the next months. We have quite a while until we can make ANY Oscar predictions IMO.

[RobbO]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 2:01pm

early estimates show the movie coming in at #2 for the weekend at $11.6 million vs. rv's $16.4 million. rv, incidentally, opened on more than twice as many screens as united 93 (3639 vs. 1795).

in fact, united 93's per screen average is $6,465 vs. rv's $4,506. not bad for a movie that is as tough of a "sell" as this one.

[bongoboy]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 2:13pm

asia reports are clueless..but there were 30 scary men watching 'where the truth lies'...guess singapore does not compute.