United 93: Where Was America?

me | 5-1-06 | Houmatt

[Houmatt]

I was going to write a glowing review of this film; without question the best I have seen this year, even with eight months left.

But something happened last night that made my heart sink: The local news said the film opened at number 2 at the box office, picking up a paltry $12 million, behind the new Robin "I Needed The Money" Williams flick RV. (I'm sure you have seen the ads for it. Were you as impressed as I? Not!)

Now, I'd like to know: Where the bloody hell was America? Do we really want to forget about what happened on September 11, 2001? Does the sacrifice police officers, firefighters, military men and women and ordinary folk in particular gave not matter all that much anymore?

Where were the talk show hosts? Where was Rush? Laura Ingraham? Sean Hannity? Michael Savage? Glenn Beck? Why weren't these people doing more than just talking about it, but saying, "Hey! Go see this movie!?" We know Rush has a lot of influence over his listeners, and while he promoted the film, not once did he suggest to his listeners they should go to the theater to see it.

For the past three years, every September 11 I make a point to watch on DVD the film 9/11. When United 93 hits DVD, I will be doing the same with that.

Someone very wise once said (to paraphrase), "We who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." We forgot about December 7, 1941, and got caught with our pants down a second time six decades later. With Osama bin Laden still alive, terrorism omnipresent, and our borders becoming a sick joke, will we have to wait another six decades before the fire next time?

The more willing we are to forget our recent past, the more omnious such a threat exists.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

The movie didn't play on as many theatres as the top two.

Word of mouth will keep the movie in the top ten over the next several weeks, IMO.

[svcw]

Rush interviewed the director for his newsletter and had excerpts of the interview on his show. What do you want these, radio people, to do, go to houses and drag people to the theater?

[Realism]

When it costs a family of 3 $50+ for a movie and snacks at the theater, I wait for the $15 dvd to come out.

[beeler]

Americans don't want to be bothered with reality. They're too busy guzzling beer and watching sports and/or American Idol. I saw the movie last week. It was great. But I was upset by how eagerly the patrons left the movie as the credits starting rolling. I know it doesn't mean anything specifically, but it was as if the moviegoers couldn't move fast enough to get back to their little worlds, wholly separated from the reality that currently faces this country. The American people have a huge wake-up-call coming.

[new cruelty]

Glenn Beck was crying on the air, insisting that people go see this movie.

[prion]

It was on half as many screens as the #1 and, let's face it, it ain't a date movie. It's doing better than I expected for a movie this grim. It'll hang on for a while, I'm guessing, through word of mouth.

[GSWarrior]

There are no rules that say ticket buyers must purchase snacks.

[new cruelty]

Correction- he was on another show (aired in Philly) at the time. I don't know if, during his show, he cried and insisted that people go see this movie.

[theDentist]

1) Some of us work days, nights, weekends, and aren't able to attend on opening night, or even opening week! 2) We want to see a movie at home instead of in a noisy theater with overpriced tickets and snacks, and so 3) We'll wait until it's on Video.

Oh, and 4) It isn't showing in every city nation-wide. There are a lot of communities where it isn't playing and may never get it.

[Houmatt]

The 1994 taking of Congress by the GOP had a lot to do with what Rush told his listeners. He has also openly bragged that the reason why he does not give phone numbers on the air of individuals is because the lines tend to get melted as a result. Then there is his annual Cure-A-Thon, which raised $15 million last year for a mere three hours work.

Yes, he did have to come right out and say it.

[Realism]

There are no rules that say ticket buyers must purchase snacks.

I believe it's a local law.

[ziggy_dlo]

well I am broke so I could not go.
Otherwise...

[loreldan]

I'll wait for dvd. Although, to be honest, I'd rather donate to the movie than actually see it. Going to the movies and paying 8.00 per ticket to see something that will make me sad is not really my thing. I'll buy the dvd to support it, but it would not be something 'enjoyable' to watch especially with 100 other people.

[1Old Pro]

Slow and steady wins the race. This movie will be seen by many, give it a chance.

[JennysCool]

As other posters have noted -- it was simple economics; the Robin Williams flick was on twice as many screens.

Fear not. "United 93" is THE talked-about movie, everywhere. It will do well theatrically and, like "The Passion of the Christ," there are millions of people who do not want to attend such an emotional movie in a theater, who will purchase the DVD.

[Yo-Yo]

According to Box Office Mojo RV was on 3,639 screens, while Flight 93 was on 1,795.

RV averaged $4,510 per screen for the opening weekend, while Flight 93 averaged $6,394.

Not a bad showing at all.

[Yo-Yo]

Sorry, correct film title is United 93

[chapin2500]

Now that's a great find, Yo-Yo. Also, I think you'll find folks like me will buy a dozen or so DVDs to give as gifts. DVDs make lots of money nowadays.

[lugsoul]

Yep. It is baffling that so many spend so much time looking for non-existent box office manipulation in support of liberal bias.