Watch The Skyjacker: Inspired by the True Story of DB Cooper

The Skyjacker is a thrilling movie inspired by the world-renowned story of DB Cooper, one of the most legendary figures in the history of air piracy. The movie, directed by John Dower and released in 2008, explores the events leading up to and following the daring hijacking of Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 on November 24, 1971, which, to this day, remains one of the most mysterious and unsolved crimes in American history.

The movie tells the story of a man known only as Dan Cooper, who boards a plane flying from Portland to Seattle, Washington. As the plane takes off, Cooper calmly approaches a flight attendant named Flo Schaffner and hands her a note, which she initially thinks is a phone number. But the note soon reveals Cooper's true intentions: he has a bomb in his briefcase, and he demands $200,000 in cash and four parachutes.

The Skyjacker is a tense and gripping retelling of the events that led to Cooper's hijacking and the ensuing manhunt that captivated the nation. Thaine H. Allison Jr. delivers a poignant and nuanced performance as the enigmatic Cooper, who remains an enigma to this day. Joan Alperin brings a sense of urgency to her portrayal of Schaffner, who became a key witness in the investigation, while Claudia Blair delivers a powerful performance as FBI agent Dorwin Schmidlap, who led the search for Cooper.

The movie takes us on a journey through the investigation, as the FBI carefully follows Cooper's instructions and delivers the ransom money and parachutes to the plane. Cooper then orders the pilot to fly to Mexico, but mid-flight, he straps on one of the parachutes and jumps out of the plane, never to be seen again. The Skyjacker raises provocative questions about Cooper's motives and whereabouts, as well as the possibility that he might have survived the jump and gotten away with his crime.

The Skyjacker also delves into the impact of Cooper's hijacking on the people involved, such as the traumatized passengers and crew of Flight 305, and the hardworking law enforcement officials who were determined to bring Cooper to justice. The movie also examines the role of the media in shaping the public's perception of Cooper, as he became an instant folk hero and a media sensation.

The Skyjacker succeeds in capturing the tense and unsettling atmosphere of the late 1960s and early 1970s, when air piracy and other forms of crime were on the rise, and when the concept of domestic terrorism was just beginning to emerge. The movie's stunning cinematography and atmospheric score enhance the sense of danger and intrigue, drawing us into the heart of the story and keeping us on the edge of our seats until the very end.

Overall, The Skyjacker is a fascinating and thought-provoking movie that sheds new light on one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. Through its powerful performances, evocative imagery, and gripping storyline, it forces us to confront the darker, more uncertain aspects of human nature and the enduring allure of criminality. For true crime aficionados, history buffs, or anyone who loves a good mystery, The Skyjacker is a must-see movie that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Skyjacker: Inspired by the True Story of DB Cooper is a crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.