Try not to watch this movie

Rating: 3/10 (9 August 2006)

A quick summary: 2 brave men are trapped and through courage and faith, they make it out. At the end of the movie, Nick Cage finishes off the film with a few words about the courage seen on 9/11. To say this film is badly shot and terribly written would not be accurate. I do think it is well shot film; Albeit, a very unoriginal story put into the molds of the 9/11 scenario. However, about half-way into the movie, I stopped and thought, what is the point of this flick? I waited until the end to see if it would provide me with an answer. It did not.
Walking out, I have to admit, I felt very patriotic. That's quaint, isn't it? But I've always felt patriotic whenever I see the pictures in the NYTimes of that faithful day, when everyone who was anybody helped each other. Why do we need to make a movie? Is it because people are afraid we will forget 9/11? That cant be. Although the act of terrorism happened 5 years ago, it feels, at least for me, like it was just yesterday. I know many people still have the New York Times of September 11, 2001 in their homes. We will never forget that day.
Now, I deeply respect the families of those who past and the authorities who helped thousands of lives, but why milk their lives for profit? That is why I am, ultimately, outraged by this movie. It is a flick that acts like its purpose is to remind us of the courage on 9/11 when, in fact, we do not need reminding. It bases an old film idea ("courage gets someone out of deep trouble") around a catastrophic event to draw crowds and gives 10 percent of the money earned (only during the first weekend, mind you) in order to feel like it is some sort of tribute to those who were forced to give their lives. Of course, it's logical: movies are made to make money. But don't use the September 11 attacks just to draw crowds.
If you feel like it's your duty as an American to watch this movie, you're wrong. The ten dollars for the ticket can be sent to a charity, instead of just a dollar of it. Rent the movie later, if curiosity gets the most of you.
I give this film a three out of ten because the art direction was pretty good. That's it. I don't like to praise people who so blatantly take advantage of tragedies.