To say &#8220United 93” is great film is an understatement.

This re-creation of Sept. 11 by writer/director Paul Greengrass is an exquisite and respectful masterpiece that resonates with power, intensity and raw emotion, making it 2006’s best film. It may also be the most emotionally significant film since &#8220Schindler’s List.”

&#8220United 93” centers on the events of the plane intended for the White House that crashed near Shanksville, Pa., when passengers attempted to stop the terrorist plot.

Greengrass has a background in documentaries, including the 2002 film &#8220Bloody Sunday,” and the director takes the same approach in &#8220United 93” – with astounding results. It’s as if Greengrass placed his audience in the control towers, in the military war rooms, and on Flight 93.

Greengrass uses straightforward storytelling that doesn’t choose sides or try to indoctrinate its political beliefs on the viewers. Even the way Greengrass handles the hijackers is neutral, with no attempt to condemn or defend their actions.

Adding to the realism is the fact the cast includes actual air traffic controllers and military personal that worked that fateful day. The other roles are filled by a virtually unknown cast, that features a few familiar faces but no one that distracts from the film’s subject matter.

Some people might think it’s too soon for a film about 9/11, but &#8220United 93” is a triumph that eliminates that argument and sets the bar very high for any future film on this subject matter.

&#8220United 93”

Directed by: Paul Greengrass

Rating: R for language and some intense sequences of terror and violence

Playing at: Great Escape 12

Grade: A

DVD dandy of the week

This week’s &#8220The Family Stone” (B), which effectively captures the frantic pace of family get-togethers during holidays. Although &#8220Stone” has some problems, it’s still a film that works – thanks to a very agreeable cast.

Diane Keaton and Craig T. Nelson are a liberal New England couple whose children are coming home for Christmas. The children include Everett (Dermot Mulroney), the oldest son who brings along his uptight girlfriend, Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) – whom Everett plans to propose to on Christmas.

The rest of the family disapproves, especially Everett’s frank sister, Amy (Rachel McAdams).

This talented cast also includes Luke Wilson as Everett’s slacker brother and Claire Danes as Meredith’s sister.

Writer/director Thomas Bezucha does a nice job of juggling these characters and giving each ample time to have their respective stories fleshed out. The screenplay dives into some soppy subjects at times, but to Bezucha’s credit, there is always something that follows that keeps &#8220The Family Stone” moving at a nice clip.

Some might argue the final act – especially the final scene – is a little over the top emotionally and some of the plot threads come together too conveniently. Both arguments are accurate, but with so much talent on the screen &#8220The Family Stone” makes it easy to forgive shortcomings.

&#8220The Family Stone” is rated PG-13 for some sexual content including language, and drug references and is now available on DVD.

– Sportswriter/movie reviewer Micheal Compton now has reviews available on the Web. Go to http://www.bgdailynews.com and click on the Compton’s Critiques link for a quick hit of movies now playing in the area. Micheal can also be reached via e-mail at mcompton@bgdailynews.com.