First of all...let me just say that I believe the MSM has *totally* overblown the “horror” aspect as depicted this film. Yes, it was indeed very intense and at times difficult to watch—but I didn’t think the film went to excess in portraying the events that occurred on Flight 93. I instead found it to be an extremely thought-provoking albeit voyeuristic window into what (we believe) occurred between the passengers and terrorist hijackers.
By comparison, I found the opening of “Saving Private Ryan” to be much more intense in regards to the depiction of sheer panic and horror. Of course, this is just my own personal opinion.
I honestly think that I was more distraught at having to again witness those planes slamming into the WTC than anything else. Those are the images that will always stick with me. The other thing I found most intriguing was just how nerve-wracking and confusing the situation really was for the air traffic controllers/FAA and the military. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I think it’s a good thing to point out what went wrong on that day as well as what went right. Hopefully we’ve learned a lot so in order these scenarios are never again repeated.
As for the overall aesthetics of the filmmaking, I thought Greengrass’s documentary-style was just brilliant. Rather than being a distraction, it only added to the authenticity and urgency of the events. I also appreciated his decision to use unknown actors—and in some instances the real people themselves—to play the lead characters. The casting of A-list actors, especially in the crew & passenger roles, would’ve somehow cheapened the actions of these people.
Incidentally...I have to say that I personally found the new end caption “Dedicated to the memory of all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001” was indeed more appropriate than the original which read “America’s war on terror had begun”. I believe the decision to change it should eliminate the inevitable hissing that would’ve emanated from moonbats in the audience.
Overall, I found this to be an excellent film and highly recommend that everyone see it.
I’m certainly glad I did.
The Ugly American 
