Of the four planes hijacked on Sept. 11, 2001, three hit their target. The fourth, Flight 93, was brought down as a result of the 40 passengers who sacrificed their lives to prevent a fourth successful strike on that day. Their story came to the big screen April 28.

United 93 is a film based on the hijacked plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. Though the story of those on board Flight 93 may never be truly known, director Paul Greengrass, known for films such as Resurrected and Bloody Sunday, believes this film is as accurate as can be based on the two dozen phone calls and 30 minutes worth of Cockpit Voice recordings made during the hijacking.

When only the trailer for United 93 had been released, the film was already getting criticism regarding its content.

“My question is, why would you make a movie that glorifies something so bad?” said Ryan Hill, junior graphic arts major.

Questions like the one asked by Hill have been popular regarding United 93. On the film’s Web site (www.united93movie.com), Greengrass said the film aims to dramatize and symbolize “everything that we face today.” Another goal was to honor those who sacrificed their lives in “one of the most heroic legacies of the incomprehensible tragedies.”

Though this film aims to remember the events of Flight 93 in relation to 9-11, many individuals have differing opinions on what the impact could have.

Hill said he believes the impact of the film will be negative.

“I could see why they’re making the movie, because they want to honor those that were on that flight,” Hill said. “On the other hand, it was such a bad thing that happened, why would you want to make a movie about such a bad thing that happened and want to make money off of it?”

Others, such as Kelsey Davis, freshman political science and Spanish major, said this film could only benefit the viewer.

“A lot of people that don’t know the facts about Flight 93 could use this film to get that information,” Davis said. “Kids nowadays can see this film later on and at least know kind of what happened.”

When the movie was viewed, emotions included teary eyes, clenched jaws and fists and many looks of hope from the audience.

Opinions on both sides seemed to agree on how United 93 did in the box office on its opening weekend.

“The movie looks really good,” Davis said. “I know I want to see it.”

Aaron Edison, assistant manager of the Hollywood Northstar 14 theater, said the movie did “alright” its opening weekend.

“I don’t think it will be one of the best movies box-office-wise this summer,” he said.

In its opening weekend, United 93 grossed $11.8 million and ranked second in the box office.

Though criticism for the film has been viewed over many media outlets during the course of the past few weeks, Edison said Joplin’s Northstar 14 theater has received no complaints or praise regarding the film – yet.

“I think that if United 93 is done honorably, it should be alright for people to see,” said Drew Deardorff, freshman mass communication major.