Movies that Generated the Most Buzz for 2006

United 93 #1

There are no words to describe the power of this film. Do we know exactly what was said between people on the plane? No. Based on accounts from messages left on answering machines, text messages and cellular phone conversations United 93 is persuasive, riveting, enthralling, and mesmerizing all wrapped up into a first-rate docu-drama.

Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy) has done the seemingly impossible by making a Hollywood production about a subject most are afraid to touch, but finished it in such a method that it's difficult to uncover fault, despite initial misgivings. No over-the-top patriotism, veiled political stances, Hollywood cutout villains or creating a sympathetic enemy. Just a brilliantly executed impression at what did happen and what 'might' have happened on that fateful day. Conjecture? Possibly. Compelling? Absolutely

The power of the film comes from its surprisingly apolitical perspective and the inclusion of not only the passengers and crew, but also the ground personnel trying to comprehend the scope of what is literally transpiring before them. No actor stands out because the film cumulatively achieves an authenticity that is simply surreal. United 93 truly are responsible filmmaking of the highest caliber and the experience is both sobering and cathartic.

The Departed #2

Men from opposite sides of the law are undercover within the Massachusetts State Police and the Irish mafia. Violence ensues when discoveries are made, and the moles are dispatched to find out their enemies identities

Excellent. A great movie. 'Departed' is front-loaded with A-list talent: Dicaprio, Damon, Nicholson, Wahlberg, Sheen and Baldwin. Directed by Martin Scorsese, (Goodfellows) Departed takes a Hong Kong-based serial and expands on it violently and makes it his own. Scorsese scores!

Letters from Iwo Jima #3

Letters From Iwo Jima is pure art-house war drama, a massive ogre of a movie that differs from everything Eastwood has ever made. It ranks with Unforgiven as Eastwood's best movie. As told from the Japanese perspective during the brutal battle of